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The History Of Freemasonry

By

Albert G. Mackey 33°

VOLUME SIX

PART 3. - FREEMASONRY IN THE
UNITED STATES

CHAPTER
PAGE

[Original Volumes / This Copy]

55.
- The First Lodge and the Grand Lodge

of each State (cont'd) ……………………………….……….…. 1443 /
6

56.
-The Introduction of Royal Arch Masonry into each State ….. 1487 /
88

57.
- The Introduction of the Cryptic Degrees into each State .... 1549 /
157

58.
- The First Commandery and the Grand Commandery

in each State
......................................................................... 1601
/
262

59.
- Colored Masonry in the United States .................................. 1641
/
309

HISTORY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF
FREEMASONRY INTO EACH STATE AND TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES

The First Lodges and the Grand
Lodges

(Continued)

Ohio

THE
introduction of Masonry into Ohio is due to the fact that soon after the close
of the War of the Revolution, the Master, Jonathan Heart, and some of the
members of American Union Lodge settled near Marietta.

The
Charter of that lodge, which had been granted by the St. John's Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts, February 15, 1776, by John Rowe, Grand Master (in the
Connecticut Line of the Army), (1) was held by the Master, and he claimed that
it was a lodge at large and not under the jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge, and
in fact "it was invested with every power necessary to constitute, rule, and
govern" Masonry in the Territories.

It had
been recognized "by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New
York, as a constituent of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts." This lodge worked
for several years until its Charter was burned; a revival of it was asked for
from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which was declined, "except as one of
its constituent" Application to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was made,
which authorized the lodge to resume work under a copy of the original
Charter, "with the express provision that the charter should be of force only
until a Grand Lodge should be formed in the territory in which it was
located."

The
Grand Lodge of Ohio was organized January 7, 1808.

(1)
Shortly after, the lodge having removed to New York, asked for a Confirmation
of their Charter, from the D.G.M., Dr. Middleton; but a new Warrant was
granted under the name of Military Union, No.

1. -
Gould's "History," vol. vi., P. 415.

The
lodges represented were American Union, No. 1, at Marietta; Cincinnati, No.
13, warranted by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey as Nova Cesaraea, No. 10, now
known as N.C. Harmony, No. 21; Sciota, No. 2, and Chillicothe, warranted by
the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1805, now known as No. 6; Erie, No. 47, at
Warren, warranted by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, March 16, 1804, now known
as Old Erie, No. 3; and Amity, No. 105, at Zanesville, warranted by the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1804, now No. 5.

January 4, 1808, a preliminary convention of the delegates from all the lodges
then in Ohio - six in number - was held in Chillicothe to deliberate upon the
propriety of forming a Grand Lodge, and to inaugurate measures for the
organization of such a body.

The
convention continued its deliberations four consecutive days, which resulted
in the unanimous adoption of a resolution proposed by Brother Lewis Cass,
viz.: "that it is expedient to form a Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio." (1)

A few
rules, couched as resolutions, were adopted for the formation of a Grand
Lodge, and appointed the first Monday in January, 1809, as the time, and
Chillicothe as the place for holding the first Grand Communication of said
Grand Lodge.

The
Grand Lodge met at Chillicothe, January 2, 1809, and duly organized with
representatives from four lodges.

In
consequence of the absence of the representatives of American Union Lodge, No.
1, there being but four lodges represented, it was thought that a Grand Lodge
could not be legally organized.

The
Grand Lodge adjourned from day to day, and, finally, on January 5th, it
adopted pro tempore the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, having
decided that under their peculiar circumstances it would be right and proper
to organize a Grand Lodge with only four lodges represented.

Brother Rufus Putnam, who had been chosen Grand Master at the convention held
in 1808, wrote a letter to the Grand Lodge declining the office, on account of
his great age, which was accepted, and Bro. Samuel Huntington was duly elected
Grand Master.

Previous to the reception of this letter all the other Grard Officers elected
the last year had been installed, and upon the election of the Grand Master he
also was immediately installed, and all the

(1)
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

other
Grand Officers who had just been elected at the same time with the Grand
Master.

The
Grand Lodge closed its sessions on January 7, 1709, having completed all
things necessary to its proper work in Masonry.

Louisiana.

The
introduction of Freemasonry in the Territory of Louisiana is principally due
to the political condition of that Territory and the circumstances connected
with the affairs in San Domingo, both counties at that period being somewhat,
if not exclusively, settled by the Latin race and their negro slaves.

Masonry had been introduced upon the Island of San Domingo from the Grand
Orient of France, also by charters from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

When
the insurrection occurred in San Domingo, in 1791, the white refugees spread
themselves in many of the cities in the United States; a very large number
settled in New Orleans, and among them were many Masons, and in 1793 several
of these residing in New Orleans organized into a lodge and received a Charter
from the Grand Lodge of South Carolina by the name of "Parfaite Union, No.

29,"
the officers being installed in the York Rite on March 30, 1794. In the same
year several Brethren of the French, or Modern Rite, formed themselves into a
lodge called "Etoile Polaire" (Polar Star), and applied for a Charter from the
Grand Orient of France.

The
Grand Orient having suspended its labors, in consequence of the political
condition of France, could not issue a Charter.

The
Brethren, however, obtained a provisional Charter or dispensation from the
Provincial Lodge La Parfaite Sincerile at Marseilles in 1796, and intrusted
the same to Dominique Mayronne, with authority to constitute the new lodge and
install the officers, which was done under the French Rite, December 27, 1798.

When
the Grand Orient resumed labor in 1803, a Charter was issued to Polar Star
Lodge, No. 4263, in 1804, and Ch. Tessier was deputed to deliver the Charter
and heal their work, which was done, and officers were installed, November 11,
1804, by A. Pinard and A.Marmillion.

The
early records of "Perfect Union" and "Polar Star" can not be found, but the
above information has been obtained by Brother James H. Scot, the historian of
the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, from the "Manuel Maconnique," a very rare work,
published in New Orleans in 1828.

It is
very probable that these lodges were formed about the same time, "but in the
absence of the original records it is impossible to decide the question." (1)

It is
thought that the Brethren who formed these two lodges were from the Island of
Guadaloupe, which was involved in the horrors of the negro insurrection of
1791.

In
consequence of political differences among the French inhabitants in
Louisiana, growing out of the French Revolution, difficulties arose which
resulted in the refusal of the members of these two lodges to hold any Masonic
intercourse with each other.

Some
of the former members of "Candor Lodge, No. 12," in Charleston, S.C., which
was extinct, having settled in New Orleans, applied to the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania and obtained a Charter, dated May 18, 1801, as Candor Lodge, No.
90.

It is
possible that this lodge did not survive very long, if it ever was duly
constituted, as on March 1, 1802, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania granted a
Charter to Charity Lodge, No. 93, having the name of N.

Definieto, W. M., who was the W.M. of Candor, No. 90.

This
Charter was not received until 1804, and on May 13th of that year the lodge
was duly constituted and the officers were installed in the York Rite.

On
October 1, 1800, by treaty, Spain retroceded the whole of the territory of
Louisiana to France, which held an actual possession of only twenty days, as
on December 20, 1803, the United States flag was raised in New Orleans, France
having sold the whole territory to the United States.

This
change in the political condition made equally a change in Masonic affairs,
and from that date on, viz., 1804, Masonry assumed quite a different attitude
in Louisiana.

A
change also in the Island of San Domingo caused a very large number of the
refugees of 1791 to return to their old homes, and the French contingent among
the Masons in New Orleans was greatly reduced.

The
American element, which had in Masonic matters been much in the minority,
began to increase and soon prevailed.

A
duplicate Charter from the Grand Orient of France was received, July 20, 1807,
bearing date of February 17, 1806, by the Lodge "La Union Desiree," No. 3013,
which had been under the auspices of the Grand Orient of France, at Port au
Prince, April 16, 1783. During the revolution Of 1791 the Charter,

(1)
James H. Scot, "History of Masonry in Louisiana."

archives, etc., had been destroyed.

The
members who had fled to New Orleans in 1791, and had returned to San Domingo
in 1802, had been again compelled to flee to New Orleans the second time.

In
1806 Masons from the Northern part of the United States applied for and
obtained a Charter from the Grand Lodge of New York, on September 2, 1807, now
Louisiana Lodge, No. 2. In the "Manuel Maconnique" it is No. 101, which is an
error of the author.

This
was the first lodge in New Orleans that worked in the English language, and
its first W. M. was the celebrated jurist Edward Livingstone.

Polar
Star Lodge, No. 4263, applied to the Grand Orient of France and obtained a
Charter to hold a Chapter of Rose Croix, which was constituted and officers
installed, May 24, 1807, as " La Vertu Recompensee, No. 5001."

On
September 15, 1808, a York Rite Charter was issued to some of the members of
Lodge La Reunion Desiree, No. 3829, by the same name but numbered 112, by the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

This
lodge dissolved March 23, 1812.

This
much of the early history in Louisiana must suffice, as to continue a specific
notice of all the lodges chartered and the various contests which grew out of
the various rites in use, and the "Cumulation" thereof, would utilize our
entire remaining pages of this chapter, hence must proceed to the organization
of the Grand Lodge.

It
appears from the records that twelve lodges had received charters in New
Orleans prior to the organization of a Grand Lodge, as will appear in the
following table:

These
delegates organized themselves into a "General Committee of the State of
Louisiana to provide for the establishment of a Grand Lodge in the City of New
Orleans." P. F. Dubourg was the first President.

On May
16th following a second meeting was held, Charity Lodge, No.

93,
not being represented; and a communication was received from Louisiana Lodge,
No. 1, saying that in their opinion "it would be inexpedient at present" to
join in the proposed formation of a Grand Lodge; whereupon a resolution was
passed requesting the W.

Master
of the Senior of the regular lodges in the State, Perfect Union, No. 29, to
issue his summons (1) to the Masters, Past Masters, and Officers of the
several Ancient and regularly constituted lodges in the State to meet in
convention to take into consideration the interests of the true Craft, and to
deliberate on the necessity of establishing a Grand Lodge in the State, which
was accordingly done, and the convention met June 13, 1812, and the following
representatives were present, viz.: Perfect Union, No.

As
soon as the convention was organized the President, Brother Dubourg, stated
that he had received a communication from Harmony Lodge, No. 122, which had
withdrawn from the convention.

The
convention adjourned to meet June 20th next.

June
20, 1812, the Grand Convention then met and elected the Grand Officers; P.F.
Dubourg being elected Grand Master, who was duly installed after the election
of the Grand Officers, and by a resolution adopted, the Grand Master installed
all the other Grand Officers on July 11th following.

At a
communication held August 15, 1812, the committee appointed for that purpose
reported a draft of a Constitution which was adopted.

(1)
Ancient term for Notification.

At a
quarterly communication held March 27, 1813, the Grand Master announced that a
Grand Royal Arch Chapter had been organized and attached to the Grand Lodge of
Louisiana.

The
Grand Chapter had been organized, March 8, 1813, by Concord and Perseverance
R.'.

A.'.
Chapter, working under charters from the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania and
attached to the lodges of the same name.

On
March 13th the Grand Officers were elected and installed.

To
follow the history of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana would require more space
than can be permitted; here we must close with the date of March, 1813.

Tennessee.

Warrants to organize lodges had been issued from the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina as early as 1796 and one from Kentucky.

These
lodges held a convention at Knoxville in December, 1811, and adopted the
following:

"Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention the number of Ancient York
Masons in this State as well as the state of society, require the formation of
a Grand Lodge within the same for the better regulation and extension of the
Craft.

"Resolved, That a Committee be appointed for the purpose of drawing up an
address to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, soliciting their assent to the
establishment of a Grand Lodge in the State of Tennessee."

The
Grand Lodge of North Carolina granted this request; and the convention again
met October 14, 1813, and the Grand Lodge was constitutionally established and
the Grand Officers were elected and installed.

Mississippi

The
first lodge in Mississippi which received a Warrant from the Grand Lodge of
Kentucky was Harmony, No. 33; originally No. 7, by a Charter October 16, 1801.

Two
other lodges, viz.: Andrew Jackson, No. 15, and Washington, No. 17, received
their warrants from the Grand Lodge of Tennessee July 27, 1818.

A
convention was held in the city of Natchez, when it was resolved that it was
necessary and expedient to form a Grand Lodge for the State of Mississippi.

On
August 25th following, the convention again met, and the Grand Lodge was
regularly constituted.

Henry
Toohey was elected Grand Master.

Illinois.

The
Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Israel Israel, issued a dispensation for six
months to Western Star Lodge, No. 107, to be located at Kaskaskia, situated
near the mouth of the Okaw (now Kaskaskia) River, where it empties into the
Mississippi River, September 24, 1805.

At
that period Illinois was in the Indian Territory.

This
lodge received its Charter, which was granted June 2, 1806, and on September
13th following, the lodge was regularly constituted.

This
lodge was doubtless the first one established in that Territory - now
comprising the States of Wisconsin and Illinois and a part of Minnesota.

The
Grand Lodge of Kentucky issued a Charter, August 28, 1815, to Lawrence Lodge,
to be located at Shawneetown; the Grand Lodge of Tennessee issued a Charter,
October 6, 1819, to Libanus Lodge, at Edwardsville; June 20, 1820, the Grand
Master of Tennessee issued a dispensation to Temple Lodge, at Belleville, St.
Clair County, which was surrendered in 1821.

From
the Grand Lodge of Missouri at various dates in 1822 the following warrants
were granted: October 3, 1822, Olive Branch, No.

The
Grand Master of Indiana issued a dispensation, March 12, 1822, to Albion
Lodge, at Albion.

All
the above lodges except Sangamon sent delegates to a convention at Vandalia
which met December 9, 1822.

They
adopted a constitution, which was sent to the lodges for their consideration.

Eight
of these lodges were represented at a convention held December 1 1823, and a
Grand Lodge was duly organized.

The
Grand Master was installed by Dr. Hardage Lane, of St. Louis, Mo., the Deputy
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri.

In
1827 the Grand Lodge of Illinois went out of existence, and after June 24,
1827, "every Lodge in the State was so effectually blotted out that no trace
of any of them has been found."

It is
supposed that as the anti-Masonic excitement had, about that time, begun to
work its way to the West, the Masons were more or less lukewarm in the cause,
and politics being somewhat mixed up in the affair, the Brethren let the
matter drop for a while.

The
Grand Lodge of Kentucky issued a dispensation to Bodley Lodge, No. 97, at
Quincy, Ill., there being at that time no working lodge in the State. That
lodge was warranted August 30, 1838.

That
Grand Lodge likewise warranted Equality Lodge, No. 102, at Equality, in
Gallatin County, August 29, 1837; and Ottawa, No. 114, at Ottawa County, of
Lasalle, September 1, 1740.

The
Grand Master of Kentucky issued a dispensation to Friendship Lodge at Dixon in
1840.

The
Grand Lodge of Missouri warranted:

Franklin Lodge, at Alton, in 1827 Harmony Lodge, at Jacksonville, in 1838
Springfield Lodge, at Springfild, in 1839 Temperance Lodge, at Vandalia, in
1839 Far West Lodge, at Galena, in

Delegates from several of the subordinate lodges on January 30, 1840, held a
convention in Jacksonville, when it was resolved to form a Grand Lodge.

A
committee was appointed to correspond with the lodges in the State and ask
their assistance, and to send delegates to a convention to be held at
Jacksonville, April 6, 1840, which convention was held on that date and six of
the eight chartered lodges and one under dispensation were represented, and
the Grand Lodge was then organized.

At the
meeting held April 28th, the Grand Master, Abraham Jonas, was installed by
proxy. (1) Warrants were issued to the lodges represented and numbered
according to their dates of constitution-

(1)
The "Reprint of the Proceedings for 1840 to 1860," published 1874, shows :
April 6, 1840, at Jacksonville, "M.W. Abraham Jonas was elected G.M." April
28th, "called from refreshment to labor." The name of Abraham Jonas does not
appear as being present.

James
Adams, D.G.M., presided.

The
minutes say: "On motion all but Past Masters having retired a convocation of
Past Masters was declared open, and the M.W. Grand Master was installed by
proxy, and the grand honors paid him agreeable to ancient form and usage."

some
of them, however, did not get their new warrants until sometime in 1844.

In
consequence of the business relations existing between many of the towns in
Illinois and the city of St. Louis in Missouri, some of the lodges in those
towns much preferred to hold their warrants from Missouri Grand Lodge, as the
representatives could attend the Grand Lodge of Missouri in St. Louis, and at
the same time transact their commercial business in that city.

The
writer was an officer of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 1841-42-43 and well
remembers that those Brethren from Illinois were urged to withdraw from our
Grand Lodge and unite with the Grand Lodge in their own State.

They,
however, declined for the reason above stated.

We can
bear witness to this as a justification of the conduct of the Grand Lodge of
Missouri, for they could not drive away their Brethren of Illinois.

Finally, however, those lodges did withdraw and unite with the Grand Lodge of
Illinois, as also did several of the lodges in Iowa, about that time, which
had been chartered by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and they formed the Grand
Lodge of Iowa.

On
February 10 1850, a fire occurred in Peoria by which was destroyed, in the
office of the Grand Secretary, all the books, papers, and records of the Grand
Lodge of Illinois.

To
remedy the loss as far as possible, the Grand Lodge was convened in
Springfield, April 8, 1850.

Of the
lodges aiding in the organization of the second Grand Lodge, four are now
alive, viz: Bodley, No. 1; Equality, No. 2; Harmony, No. 3; and Springfield,
No. 4.

In
1889, October 1st and 2d, the fiftieth anniversary was celebrated.

The
Grand Lodge of Illinois, in her growth since its organization in 1839, has
kept even pace with the increase of population, and now stands in membership
among the first in the United States, in 1897 the membership number being
53,452, number of lodges, 722. In her influence for good and the reputation of
her personnel she is primus inter pares (first among her equals).

Missouri

The
first settlers of Upper Louisiana, as the now State of Missouri was originally
called, were French, who came by the way of Canada, and were companions of
Cartier, La Salle, and Father Hennepin, who traversed the vast wilderness that
extended between the boundaries of Canada and the settlements of the French on
the Lower Mississippi.

In
November, 1763, Pierre Liguiste Laclede arrived at St.

Genevieve, and finding no place suitable for the storage of his good, he
proceeded up the Mississippi River; and on February 15, 1764, he and his party
landed where the city of St. Louis now stands, which he named in honor of
Louis XV. of France.

In
that early day the merchants who were in St. Louis and St.

Genevieve procured their goods in Philadelphia, where they went once every
year.

Many
of these merchants became Masons and were made in the French Lodge, No. 73, in
Philadelphia.

As the
Masons in the Territory increased in numbers, they resolved to organize a
lodge, and in 1807-8 having applied for, they received a Warrant of
Constitution from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for a lodge in the town of
St. Genevieve, as Louisiana Lodge, No. 109.

Otho
Strader was the first Master.

Among
its members were many of those who afterward became prominent merchants of St.
Louis, as Pierre Chouteau and Bartholomew Berthold, who became the founders of
the great Fur Company. (1)

This
was the first lodge established in Missouri.

In
1811-12 Gen. H. Dodge presided over this lodge as W. Master, but owing to the
unsettled condition of the Territory in consequence of the late war with Great
Britain, the lodge ceased to work about 1825.

In
1809-10 the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania granted a Warrant to a lodge in St.
Louis as No. 111. There is no record whatever of this lodge remaining.

A
dispensation was issued by the Grand Lodge of Indiana in 1820 for a lodge in
Jackson, now in Cape Gerardeau County.

This
lodge was subsequently chartered by the Grand Lodge of Missouri.

October 18, 1816 the Grand Lodge of Tennessee granted a

(1)
Geo. F. Gouley, "History of Grand Lodge of Missouri."

Charter to a lodge in St. Louis as Missouri Lodge, No. 12, which is still in
existence as No. 1.

That
Grand Lodge also granted charters to the following lodges, viz. : October 6,
1819, to Joachim Lodge, No. 25, at Herculaneum, and on same date to St.
Charles Lodge, No. 28, at St. Charles on the Missouri River.

February 23, 1821, by an invitation sent by Missouri Lodge, No. 12, to the
several lodges in the State, the following lodges, by their representatives,
met in St. Louis, and a committee having been appointed to draft a
constitution and code of bylaws they adjourned until April 23d following, to
meet at the same place to organize a Grand Lodge.

Prior
to this date (April 23, 1821), a convention of Masons met, pursuant to
previous notice given by the convention of delegates, at the lodge-room of
Missouri Lodge, No. 12, April 23d, Anno Lucis, Year of Light, 5821, for the
purpose of organizing the Grand

Lodge
of the State of Missouri.

Opened
in the third degree in due form, with Wor. Edward Bates, (1) Master, and
others.

After
reading the proceedings of the convention held February 22d last, adjourned
until 24th inst.

April
24, A.L. 5821. Present as before.

An
election for the officers for the ensuing year was held and resulted as
follows

Brother Thos. F. Riddick, M.W.G.M.

"

James
Kennerly, S.G.W.

"

William Bates, J.G.W.

"

Archibald Gamble, G. Treasurer.

"

William Renshaw, G. Secretary.

Adjourned to May 4th next.

May
4th A.L. 5821, Semi-Annual Convocation was held, a procession was formed and
proceeded to the Baptist Church, where the solemn ceremony of consecration and
installation was performed, in conformity with the ancient landmarks and
customs of the Fraternity.

The
Grand Lodge then returned to the lodge-room and adjourned until next day. (2)

Nearly
every member of this Grand Lodge was personally known to the present writer in
1837.

(2)
Geo. F. Gouley, "History of Grand Lodge of Missouri."

BENJAMIN B. FRENCH

At
this communication Brother Frederick Bates was elected Grand Master, who, not
being present, was notified by a committee, but declined accepting the office.

Grand
Lodge adjourned until October 10, 1821, at which time the Grand Lodge resumed
labor and elected Brother N.B. Tucker M.W. Grand Master, and Edward Bates
G.S.W.

The
Grand Lodge then adjourned until 7 P.M., when at the request of Bro. Thos.
F.Riddick, Brother Douglass took the Chair and installed Brother Nathaniel B.
Tucker Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in ample
form, and the Past Master's Lodge was closed, and the other Grand Officers
were duly installed into their respective offices.

Thus
the Grand Lodge of Missouri was constituted and has continued to the present
day, and the writer, who the commencement of his own Masonic career, January
18, 1840, could personally testify to the character and standing, in the
community of the State of Missouri, to nearly every member of that
distinguished body of men and Masons, upon whose shoulders the interests of
our noble institution, at that time, were placed by the Grand Lodge.

In the
year 1841 the writer was appointed the Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge
by Hon. Priestly H. McBride, Grand Master, and was reappointed in 1842 and
1843.

A very
large proportion of those who organized the first Grand Lodge continued as
members and officers of the Grand Lodge up to the year 1844, when by
accessions of lodges which had been chartered from 1821 to 1840, the number
had increased from four to twenty-five, which was Naphtali, and in which we
received the three degrees.

In
1841-42 several lodges had been chartered in Iowa, and among them was Iowa
Lodge, No. 42, of which our very distinguished Brother Theodore S. Parvin was
Wor.

Master, and we mention this circumstance to state that he and the writer are
the only surviving members of that Grand Lodge of 1841 to 1844.

Indiana.

As
early as 1795 members of the Fraternity who had been connected with lodges in
the army on the northwest frontier, introduced Free Masonry into the
Territory.

The
first lodge, however, was organized by a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of
Kentucky, August 31, 1808, at Vincennes, by the name of Vincennes Lodge, No.

15.

The
following lodges were also granted warrants by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky: At
Madison, Union Lodge, No. 29, August 31, 1815; at Charlestown, Blazing Star,
No. 36, August 25, 1816; at Salem, Melchizedeck, No. 43; Lawrenceburg,
Lawrenceburg, No. 44; and at Corydon, Pisgah, No. 45, all August 25, 1817.

The
Grand Master of Kentucky, after the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, issued
a dispensation for the Lodge at Switzerland, and one for Rising Sun Lodge, at
Rising Sun.

A
dispensation for lodge Brookville Harmony, No. 41, at Brookville, was issued
by the Grand Master of Ohio in 1816 or 1817.

A
general convention of the representatives of the following lodges of Ancient
York Masons of the State of Indiana was held at Corydon on December 3, 1817,
viz. :

"Resolved, That it is expected and advisable that a Grand Lodge should be at
this time formed in the State of Indiana."

All
the above representatives voted in the affirmative except those of Harmony and
Pisgah.

The
convention then adopted the following:

"Resolved, That a committee of four members be appointed to inform the M.W.
Grand Masters of Kentucky and Ohio that a constitutional number of chartered
lodges have determined in general convention to form a Grand Lodge in this
State, and consequently will secede from their Mother Lodge so soon as a Grand
Lodge is organized."

The
convention also

"Resolved, That the several subordinate lodges here represented do appoint one
or more delegates to meet at Madison on the second Monday in January next, for
the purpose of opening a Grand Lodge for the State of Indiana; and that a
Communication be forwarded to the rest of the lodges in this State
unrepresented in this convention, of the above determination."

The
following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That the chartered lodges here
represented do now separate for a time from the lodges under dispensation, and
proceed immediately to organize a Grand Lodge for the State of Indiana."

Brother Alexander A. Meek, being the oldest Past Master present, was called to
the Chair.

Melchizedeck Lodge surrendered her Charter but declined having a new one.

The
representatives from lodges Nos. 15, 29, 36, 43, 44, 45, holding charters from
the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, surrendered the same, and asked to have charters
granted to their respective lodges by the Grand Lodge of Indiana, which was
accordingly done on the 14th, viz. :

The
illustrations of Masonry of Thomas Smith Webb were adopted for the government
of the Grand Lodge, and were recommended to be adopted by all the subordinate
lodges of the State for the government of the same.

Charlestown was selected as the site for the meeting of the Grand Lodge for
the present.

The
Junior Grand Warden being a member of Melchizedeck Lodge, which declined a
Charter, the office became vacant and an election was held to fill the same,
and Brother Benjamin V. Becks was duly elected.

The
Grand Lodge met in various towns and cities until 1828, when it removed to
Indianapolis, and has continued to do so ever since.

Alabama.

The
first lodge in Alabama was Madison, No. 21, at Huntsville, which was chartered
by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, August 28, 1812. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee
granted a Charter to Alabama Lodge, No. 21, at Huntsville, October 6, 1818.

The
Grand Lodge of South Carolina granted a Charter to Alabama Lodge, No. 51, at
Clairborne, in 1819; the Grand Lodge of Tennessee granted a Warrant to Rising
Virtue Lodge, No. , at Tuskaloosa, October 5, 1818; and the Grand Master of
Tennessee issued a dispensation to Halo Lodge, at Cahawba, April 4, 1820, and
which continued until October, 1821; but the Grand Lodge of Georgia issued a
Warrant to Halo Lodge, No.

21,
January 24, 1821; the Grand Lodge of Tennessee issued a Charter to Moulton
Lodge, at Moulton, October 3, 1820; the Grand Lodge of Tennessee granted a
dispensation to Russellville Lodge, October 3, 1820; a dispensation from the
Grand Master of Tennessee was issued to Farrar Lodge, at Elyton, March 5,
1821; the Grand Lodge of North Carolina granted a Charter to St. Stephen's
Lodge, at St.

Stephen's, December 14, 1816; Washington Lodge and Tuscumbia Lodge were
granted charters by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee.

Tuscumbia had never reported its work, and soon went out of existence.

Washington very soon gave up her Charter.

The
name of Madison Lodge, No. 21, was changed to Helion; Alabama Lodge, No. 21,
at Huntsville, was changed to Bethsaida; soon afterward a consolidation took
place and these two and Helion and Bethsaida became Helion, No. 1. Of all the
above lodges there only remain at the present time Rising Virtue, No. 4;
Moulton, No. 6; and Farrar, No. 8.

The
Grand Lodge was organized by the above - mentioned lodges and a constitution
was adopted and signed June 15, 1821.

December 6, 1836, a quorum was not present; and after waiting for three days,
those who were present declared the Grand Lodge extinct.

The
representatives of the lodges present reorganized a Grand Lodge, a new
constitution was adopted, new Grand Officers were elected, and the old
warrants were re-granted.

Arkansas.

November 29, 1819, a dispensation for Arkansas Lodge, located at the Port of
Arkansas, was issued by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.

A
Charter was granted, August 29, 1820, Robert Johnson being W.

Master.

This
lodge surrendered her Charter, August 28, 1822.

A
dispensation to organize Washington Lodge at Fayetteville was issued by the
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, December 24, 1835; and it mas
renewed, November 12, 1836. October 3, 1837, a Charter was granted, and the
lodge received as a present a set of jewels.

A
dispensation was granted from the same Grand Lodge for a lodge at Clarksville,
October 5, 1838, to which a Charter was issued, October 12, 1839. The
dispensation of Clarksville Lodge was received prior to the organization of
the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, but the Charter was issued after that event.

This
lodge continued under the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee until
1843, when it came under the Grand Lodge of Arkansas as No. 5. In 1845 it
ceased to work and surrendered the Charter.

January 6, 1837, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana issued warrants to two lodges in
Arkansas, viz. : Morning Star, at Arkansas Post, and Western Star, at Little
Rock.

The
seat of State Government having been changed to Little Rock, Morning Star
Lodge gave up the Charter.

A
dispensation was issued by the Grand Master of Alabama in 1838 to Mount Horeb
Lodge in Washington.

November 21, 1838, a convention was held and representatives from Washington,
Morning Star, Western Star, and Mount Horeb, U.D., were present at which a
constitution was adopted and officers were elected and the Grand Lodge was
duly constituted.

Wisconsin

The
history of Freemasonry in the territory now embraced in the State of Wisconsin
dates from December 27, 1823.

The
only known record of the first lodge in what is now Wisconsin is founded in an
address delivered at Green Bay, December 17, 1854, by P.G.M. Henry S. Baird.

He
says:

The
first action had with a view to organize a lodge of Masons at Green Bay is
found in proceedings of a meeting of the members of the Fraternity, held on
the evening of the 27th day of December, A.D. 1823.

A
committee was appointed to draft a petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of
New York, praying for a dispensation to open and hold a Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons at Green Bay, then in the Territory of Michigan.

In due
time the prayer of the petitioners was responded to, and a dispensation
granted.

On
September 2, 1824, the first regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was
opened and organized at Fort Howard, directly opposite to the city, under a
dispensation from the M.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New
York.

The
officers named in the dispensation were:

Robert
Irwin, Sr.,W. Master.

Benjamin Watson, S. Warden.

W. V.
Wheaton, J. Warden.

On
December 3, 1824, a regular Charter was granted by the M.W.

Grand
Lodge of New York.

Mineral Point Lodge, No. 1, was organized July 27, 1841, from the Grand Lodge
of

A
Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 13, 1843. (2)

A
preliminary meeting, having in contemplation the formation of a Masonic lodge,
was held at the house of John Beavans, in the town of Platteville, in the
month of January, A.D. 1843.

MILWAUKEE LODGE, NO. 22 (NOW KILBOURN LODGE, No. 3)

The
first meeting of this lodge was held July 5, A.L. 5843, A.D.

1843.

Bro.
Normand Hawley, representing the Grand Master of Illinois, presented the
dispensation which he had been deputed to bring to them.

The
exact date of the Charter of this lodge does not appear from the minutes.

In the
proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, October 2, 1843, the committee on
Returns and Work recommended granting a Charter to Milwaukee Lodge, No. 22,
"when dues are paid; "and on the first day of November, 1843, the election of
officers was held under the Charter, 1843.

ACTION
RELATIVE TO THE FORMATION OF A GRAND LODGE, NOVEMBER 22, 1843.

The
worshipful Master, Bro. Abram D. Smith, presented a communication from Melody
Lodge, at Platteville, upon the subject of establishing a Grand Lodge in the
Territory of Wisconsin, which was read, and the Master and Wardens were
appointed a committee to correspond with Platteville and Mineral Point lodges
upon the subject.

The
Charter of Milwaukee Lodge, No. 3, is dated January 17, 1844.

(1)
Incorrectly called in the record John.

(2)
The present writer was S.G.D. of the Grand Lodge of Missouri at that time.

MASONIC CONVENTION HELD AT MADISON ON THE 18TH DAY OF DECEMBER, A.D. 1843.

The
following lodges were represented:

Milwaukee Lodge, at Milwaukee.

Mineral Lodge, at Mineral Point.

Melody
Lodge, at Platteville.

Bro.
Moses Meeker was called to the Chair, and Bro. Geo. W. Lakin was appointed
Secretary.

On
motion of Bro. Ben. C. Eastman, it was

Ordered, That a committee consisting of two be appointed to receive and
examine the credentials of the members of the convention.

The
committee appointed to receive and examine the credentials of the members of
the convention, being the legal representatives of the regularly constituted
lodges of the Territory of Wisconsin, to take into consideration and determine
upon the expediency of forming a Grand Lodge within the said Territory, have
attended to the duty assigned them, and submit the following:

Your
committee find that there are seven members of said convention representatives
of the lodges aforesaid, to wit:

From
Milwaukee, Mineral Point, and Melody lodges.

On
motion of Bro. Ben. C. Eastman, it was

Ordered, That a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the
expediency of forming a Grand Lodge in the Territory of Wisconsin.

The
committee appointed to take into consideration the expediency of forming a
Grand Lodge in the Territory, have attended to their duty, and ask leave to
report the following preamble and resolutions:

Whereas, There are now, within the Territory of Wisconsin, three chartered
lodges, all of which are in a prosperous and happy condition; and

Whereas, It is competent for that number of lodges to emerge from a state of
dependency, become legally organized, and be hereafter established and known
as a separate, distinct, and independent body, having its own jurisdiction and

Whereas, In the rapidly increasing population of our Territory, it is believed
many more lodges will immediately spring into existence whereby the great
principles of Masonry will be promulgated, if the facilities for obtaining
dispensations and charters are increased as they will be by the organization
of a Grand Lodge in Wisconsin; and

Whereas, The Great Lights of Masonry should not be hidden under a bushel, but
should shine in the fullness of their strength, that none may want a guide for
their faith and practice, and that their acts be squared by the precepts of
the Great Architect of the Universe, and their desire be circumscribed by the
principles of morality and their passions restrained in due bounds.

Therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is expedient to form a Grand Lodge in the Territory of
Wisconsin.

On
motion of Bro. John H. Rountree, the report of the committee was accepted, the
preamble and resolutions adopted, and the committee discharged.

On
motion of Bro. Dwight F. Lawton, it was

Ordered, That a committee of three be appointed to draft a constitution for a
Grand Lodge, and that said committee be instructed to report at as early an
hour as possible.

The
Chair appointed Bros. Lawton, Meeker, and Lakin said committee.

The
convention adjourned till 6 P.M.

Evening at 6 P.M. convention met.

Bro.
Lawton, from the committee appointed to draft a constitution for a Grand
Lodge, reported the draft of a constitution, which report was accepted and
committee discharged.

On
motion, the convention adjourned sine die.

The
M.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons met in annual communication in
the city of Madison, on Monday, December 18, A.D.

1843,
A.L. 5843.

The
Grand Lodge was opened in the third degree, in due and ancient form.

On
motion of Bro. Meeker, the constitution reported in the convention was taken
up, read, and adopted.

Bro.
Merrill, from said committee, made the following

REPORT.

The
committee appointed to nominate officers for the Grand Lodge have attended to
the duty assigned them, and report that they have nominated the following:

Benjamin T. Kavanaugh, G. Master.

Abram
D. Sniith, D. G. Master.

Moses
Meeker, S. G. Warden.

David
Merrilly, J. G. Warden.

Thomas
P. Burnett, Grand Treasurer.

Ben.
C. Eastman, Grand Secretary.

Dwight
F. Lawton, Grand Lecturer.

Which
report was accepted, and the committee discharged.

On
motion of Bro. Rountree, it was

Resolved, That the Grand Lodge do now proceed to the election of officers, and
all the above-named Brethren were elected and installed.

Texas

During
the very first effort to establish a lodge in Texas, that country was a
dependency of Mexico, and the Roman Catholic priesthood controlled the most of
the population and were the open enemies of Freemasonry, and the American
settlers were objects of suspicion.

In the
winter of 1834-35 five Master Masons having made themselves known to each
other as such, after many conferences and much deliberation, concluded to
establish a lodge in Texas.

These
were John H. Wharton, Asa Brigham, James A.E. Phelps, Alexander Russell, and
Anson Jones; they fixed upon time and locality for their meeting to accomplish
their desire.

Brother J. P. Caldwell subsequently joined them.

The
town of Brazoria was selected for their meeting, and in a small grove of wild
peach and laurel in a family burial-ground of General John Austin.

Here
in a day of March, 1835, 10 A.M., "was held the first formal meeting of Masons
in Texas." These six Brethren made arrangements to apply to the Grand Lodge of
Louisiana for a dispensation to form and open a lodge to be called Holland
Lodge.

A
petition was drawn up and another Master Mason, Brother W.D.C. Hall, having
signed it with the other six, it was forwarded to New Orleans.

This
dispensation was granted, and Holland Lodge, No. 36, was started at Brazoria
on December 27, 1835. In the second story of the old court-house was where the
Communications were held.

In
consequence of the difficulties with Mexico, which finally resulted in open
hostilities, the succeeding war, and independence of the Republic of Texas,
the lodge struggled on until February, 1836, the last conmmunication being
held that month.

In
March Brazoia was abandoned, and the dispensation was captured by Urrea, and
with records, books, jewels, etc., was destroyed.

In
October, 1837, the lodge was reopened in the city of Houston, a Warrant for it
having been granted in the meantime, and the lodge is yet in existence.

Two
other lodges, viz. : Milam, No. 40, at Nacogdoches, and McFarland, No. 41, at
San Augustine, were warranted by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana.

These
lodges, as also Holland Lodge, No. 36, sent delegates to a convention which
met in Houston, and the Grand Lodge of the Republic at Texas was organized,
December 20, 1837.

Brother Anson Jones was elccted Grand Master.

The
three lodges surrendered their charters to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and
received new charters from their own Grand Lodge.

Iowa

The
first dispensation for the organization of a lodge in the Territory of Iowa
was issued November 20, 1840, to Des Moines Lodge, at Burlington, which was
chartered October 20, 1841.

The
second dispensation for a lodge was issued February 4, 1841, to Iowa Lodge, at
Bloomington, Muscatine County, constituted February 4, 1841, and chartered
October 20, 1841, as No. 42.

The
third dispensation was dated October 10, 1842, to Dubuque Lodge, at Dubuque,
and was chartered October 10, 1843.

The
fourth was Iowa City Lodge, at Iowa City, County of Johnson, which was
constituted October 10, 1842, by dispensation, and chartered October 10, 1843.

These
lodges all derived their warrants from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and the
present writer, as an officer in that Grand Lodge, voted for all but the first
one, but was a visitor in the Grand Lodge when the first one was chartered.

He
made the personal acquaintance of Brother Theodore S. Parvin and the other
representatives of those lodges at that time, and Brother Parvin and the
writer are the only surviving members of that Grand Lodge since October, 1897.

These
four lodges, by agreement, at a preliminary convention of their delegates,
held at the communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, at St. Louis,
October 11, 1843, met in convention at Iowa City, in Iowa Territory, January
2, 1844, and then and there organized the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

Delegates were present from the following other lodges in Iowa working under
authority of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, viz. : Rising Sun, No. 12, at
Montrose, Keokuk Lodge, at Keokuk, and Clinton Lodge, at Davenport.

The
first under a Charter and the other two under dispensations.

These
lodges were finally admitted to the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

January 3, 1844, the Grand Officers were elected.

Brother Oliver Cock was unanimously elected on the second ballot the Grand
Master, and Brother Theodore Sutton Parvin unanimously elected Grand
Secretary, which office he has filled, except when he was chosen Grand Master,
ever since, now fifty-five years.

No
Mason has a more extended reputation for abilities, so essential in the
management of Masonic affairs, than has our illustrious Brother, who is so
favorably known throughout the world of Masonry.

Oregon.

After
the organization of Multnomab Lodge at Oregon City, a little more than two
years elapsed before any additional lodges were established in Oregon.

Following the planting of this lodge, the Grand Lodge of California, on
November 27, 1850, granted a Charter to Willamette Lodge, No. 11, at Portland.

This
lodge was opened and constituted January 4, 1851. The Grard Lodge of
California granted a Charter to Lafayette Lodge, of Oregon. This lodge was
constituted and began work July 30, 1851. The establishment of this lodge gave
to the Territory of Oregon the requisite number of lodges, under the common
law of Masonry, to organize an independent Grand Lodge for the jurisdiction.

The
opportunity was at once improved.

"The
important question," says a distinguished Brother, recently deceased, "of
having a Grand Lodge was agitated.

Consequently, on the 16th of August, A.L. 5851, A.D 1851, a convention of F. &
A.

Masons
of the Territory of Oregon was held at Oregon City to form a Grand Lodge.

Brother Berryman Jennings was elected Chairman and Bro. Benjamin Stark
Secretary." The convention, after due consideration, resolved upon the wisdom
and expediency of the "formation of a Grand Lodge." In pursuance of this
action an address, giving official notice of the purpose in view, was prepared
and sent out to the several lodges, requesting them to meet again in
convention on the second Saturday in September following, to perfect the Grand
Lodge organization.

In
pursuance of this call, delegates from the several lodges assembled at Oregon
City on September 13, 1851, and proceeded to the work in hand by the election
of Bro.

John
Elliott Chairman, and Bro. W.S. Caldwell Secretary.

The
three lodges, viz. : Multonomah, Willamette, and La Fayette, were duly
represented.

Among
the delegates present were those who were otherwise admitted to seats in the
convention, viz. : Bros.

On
Monday, September 15th following, a constitution, through a committee, was
reported and adopted, and the Grand Lodge of Oregon duly organized.

Bro.

Berryman Jennings was elected and installed Grand Master, and Bro.

Benj.
Stark Grand Secretary.

The
first lodge established under authority of the Grand Lodge of Oregon was
organized at Salem, under the name of Salem Lodge, No.

4. The
dispensation of this lodge was issued by the Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro.
John Elliott, on October 4, 1851.

California.

The
Grand Lodge of California was organized in the city of Sacramento, April 18,
1850.

The
constituent lodges were California Lodge, No. 13, chartered by the Grand Lodge
of the District of Columbia, located in San Francisco, November 9, 1848;
Connecticut Lodge, No. 75, Sacramento City, chartered by the Grand Lodge of
Connecticut, January 31, 1849; and Western Star Lodge, No. 98, from the Grand
Lodge of Missouri, May 10, 1848; Benton City, Upper California.

Delegates were present from New Jersey Lodge, under dispensation from the
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New jersey, dated March 1, 1849.

This
lodge was opened in Sacramento City, December 4, 1849.

Credentials were presented by B.D. Hyam, from Benicia Lodge, at Benicia, but
there being no dispensation or Charter or any other information of the
existence of such a lodge, it was not recognized.

A
constitution was adopted April 19th, and the Grand Officers were elected and
duly installed.

Minnesota.

The
first lodge organized in Minnesota was St. Paul's, No. 1, constituted by the
Grand Lodge of Ohio, August 4, 1849; the second lodge was St. John's, No. 1,
warranted October 12, 1850, by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin; and the third was
Cataract Lodge, No 168, founded by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, 1852.

These
three lodges, by delegates, met in convention at the city of St. Paul,
February 23, 1853, and constituted the Grand Lodge of the State of Minnesota.

These
lodges met in convention, August 6, 1877, at Santa Fe, for the purpose of
discussing the question of forming a Grand Lodge.

Brother Simon B. Newcomb presided.

The
committee on credentials found the representatives of the three
above-mentioned lodges to be present.

The
next day a constitution and by-laws were adopted, the Grand Officers were
elected and installed, Brother Wm. W. Griffin being M.W. Grand Master, and
David J. Miller R. W. Grand Secretary.

Washington.

The
first steps of initiatory efforts toward Masonic organization and the
formation of a Masonic lodge on the Pacific Coast, so far as any record has
been shown or it is believed to exist, were taken jointly by three brother
Master Masons, namely: Bros.

Joseph
Hull, William P. Dougherty, and Peter G. Stewart.

A
petition was prepared and addressed to the Grand Lodge of Missouri praying
that a Charter be granted to the petitioners, under the name of Multnomah
Lodge.

The
record of the Grand Lodge of Missouri reads as follows: "A charter was granted
to Multnomah Lodge, No. 84, on the 19th day of October, 1846, locating the
Lodge at Oregon City, Oregon Territory."

In his
annual address to the Grand Lodge of Oregon, held June 13, 1853, M.W. Bro.
Berryman Jennings, Grand Master, says:

"On
the 25th day of November (1852) last, I granted a dispensation to sundry
brethren residing at Olympia, Puget Sound, to open a Lodge under the name of
Olympia Lodge, returnable at this Grand Communication, which return has been
promptly made, through their Worshipful Master, Brother T.F. McElroy."
Washington Territory was not organized until after this dispensation was
issued and the lodge began work.

On
Saturday evening, December 11, 1852, Olympia Lodge, U.D., held its first
communication by virtue of Grand Lodge authority, and was thereunder duly
organized, the following officers, members and Brethren being present, viz. :
Bros.

The
Charter was granted to Olympia Lodge of Oregon, June 13th, and bears date June
15, 1853, and was designated as Olympia Lodge of Oregon, No. 5, of that grand
jurisdiction.

The
first meeting under the Charter was held on Saturday evening, July 24, 1853,
at which time we may infer the lodge was regularly constituted, although the
record is silent in this particular.

An
election, however, was held that evening for new officers under the Charter,
with the following result: Bros. T.F. McElroy, W.M.; B.F. Yantis, S. W.; M.T.
Simmons, J.W.; B. Close, Sec.; Ira Ward, Treas., and Smith Hays, Tyler.

This
was the first lodge established and constituted north of the Columbia River
and west of the Rocky Mountains.

The
records of Multnomah Lodge from its institution until 1868 were destroyed by
fire, and the oldest record is the ledger dating from the year 1854.

Steilacoom Lodge, the second lodge established within the present
jurisdictional limits of Washington, was organized U.D. in the year 1854.
Since it first began work it has passed through several trying ordeals, some
of which were of so serious a nature that its existence might well have been
regarded as hopeless but for the pluck and Masonic energy of its membership.

The
records of the Grand Lodge of Oregon, session of June, 1854, show that R.W.
Dep. Grand Master J.C. Ainsworth, acting Grand Master, "granted a Dispensation
to Brother W. H. Wallace and others to open a Lodge at Steilacoom, Washington
Territory, under the name of Steilacoom Lodge."

The
dispensation must have been granted during the latter part of January or some
time in February, 1855.

During
the summer or fall Of 1857, probably about September 1st, M.W.Bro. Ben. J.
Stark, G.M. of Masons of Oregon, issued a dispensation for a new lodge at
Grand Mound, Thurston County, Washington, named Grand Mound Lodge.

This
lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Oregon, July 12, or 15, 1858, under
the name of Grand Mound Lodge, No. 21. On August 21, 1858, at its hall on
Grand Mound Prairie, the lodge was duly constituted and its officers
installed.

On
September 19, 1868, after eleven years of hard struggling, in earnest and
zealous efforts to build up and sustain the lodge, the Brethren reluctantly
felt it a duty to themselves and the Fraternity to surrender the Charter to
the Grand Lodge.

In the
annual address of M. W. Grand Master Benjamin J. Stark to the Grand Lodge of
Oregon, July 13, 1858, among the seven dispensations he reported having
granted during the year for the formation of new lodges is one "for Washington
Territory."

On
July 13, 1858, a Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Oregon to
Washington Lodge, No. 22.

The
Charter bears date the same as that of Grand Mound Lodge, namely, July 15,
1858.

In the
foregoing references to the organization, severally, of Olympia, Steilacoom,
Grand Mound, and Washington lodges, we find that they were the first organized
Masonic bodies north of Columbia River.

On
Monday, December 6, 1858, a little band of Freemasons, about one dozen in
number, met at the Masonic hall, in the city of Olympia, Washington Territory.

Their
declaration of purpose was to consider "the propriety of establishing a Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for said Territory."

This
little band of Brethren in convention assembled resolved to proceed to the
formation and organization of a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for
the Territory of Washington.

The
convention was composed of delegates representing the four existing lodges in
the Territory, viz. : Olympia Lodge, No. 5; Steilacoom Lodge, No. 8; Grand
Mound Lodge, No. 21, and Washington Lodge, No. 22, together with all Past
Masters by service, who were members of these lodges, and present during the
sessions of the convention.

On the
evening of Dcccmber 8, 1858, a constitution, having been prepared by a
committee appointed for that purpose, was submitted, duly considered and
adopted, after which the Grand Officers were elected.

The
convention, having completed its labors, was adjourned, sine die, on the
morning of December 9th, whereupon the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the Territory of Washington was opened in ample form, and
was thus launched upon the sea of its sovereign existence.

The
business transacted at this first session, though comparatively brief, was
most important to the future interest and zeal of the Grand Lodge.

It
related chiefly to formulating plans and adopting methods for placing the
"machinery of Grand Lodge in Order," in furtherance of the important work
before it.

We are
indebted to the history of the Grand Lodge of Washington, by Bro. Grand
Secretary Thomas M. Read, for the above sketch.

Kansas

By
reference to the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Missouri the record will be
found of the organization of the first three lodges in Kansas.

Dispensations for the formation of new lodges were issued:

August
4, 1854, to John W. Chivington and others, to open a lodge at the house of
Mathew R. Walker, in Wyandotte Territory, to be called Kansas Lodge, by order
of Most Worshipful Grand Master L.S.

Cornwell.

October 6, 1854, to John W. Smith and others, to open a lodge at the town of
Smithfield, Kansas Territory, to be called Smithfield Lodge, by order of
R.W.N.B. Giddings, D.D.G. Master First Masonic District of Missouri.

December 30, 1854, to Richard R. Rees and others, to open a lodge at the town
of Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, by order of R.W.D.P.

Wallingford, D.G. Master of Missouri. (1)

At a
meeting of delegates from several Masonic lodges in the Territory of Kansas,
at the city of Leavenworth, on November 14, A.D. 1855, A.L. 5855.

On
motion of Bro. Rees, Bro. William P, Richardson was called to the Chair, and
on motion, Bro. R.R. Rees acted as Secretary.

Bro.
Rees moved, that as Wyandotte Lodge was not represented in this convention,
that the convention adjourn until December 27th next, with a request that all
the chartered lodges be represented; which motion was carried, and the
convention adjourned.

The
convention met in the office of A. and R.R. Rees, in the city of Leavenworth,
pursuant to adjournment, December 27, 1855.

Bro.
J.W. Smith was called to the Chair, Bro. Rees acting as Secretary.

(1)
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, 1855, pp. 64, 65.

Bro.
Rees offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That we do proceed to organize a Grand Lodge for the Territory of
Kansas, and that a copy of the proceedings of this convention be forwarded to
Wyandotte Lodge with a request that they cooperate with us, and approve the
proceedings of this convention; and that so soon as Wyandotte shall inform the
Grand Master elect of their approval, and cooperation in the proceedings of
this convention, that then, the Grand Master elect shall be installed as Grand
Master and immediately issue a proclamation declaring this Grand Lodge fully
organized.

On
motion of Bro. Rees, the Chair appointed a committee of three to report a
constitution and by-laws for the government of this Grand Lodge, which
committee consisted of Bros. Rees, Eastin, and Harrison.

The
committee appointed to report a constitution and code of bylaws made their
report, which was adopted.

On
motion of Bro. Rees, the convention adjourned, to meet at Masonic hall at
early candle-light.

On
motion of Bro. Rees, the constitution and by-laws adopted in convention are
unanimously adopted as the constitution and by-laws of this Grand Lodge.

The
Grand Lodge thereupon proceeded to the election of Grand Officers, which
resulted in the election of Bro. Richard R. Rees as M.W.G.M.

On
motion of Bro. Vanderslice, a committee consisting of Bros.

Vanderslice, Walker, and Smith was appointed to report a constitution and code
of bylaws for the government of this Grand Lodge.

The
Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshments until 7.30 P.M.

A
committee appointed by the Grand Lodge of Kansas, at their convention held at
Leavenworth City, on Monday, March 17, 1856, reported a constitution and
by-laws for the government of said Grand Lodge which was adopted.

The
Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing
year, which resulted in the election of Bro.

Richard R. Rees, Grand Master, who was then installed and who then installed
all the other officers.

Nebraska.

The
first lodge in the State of Nebraska was Nebraska Lodge, No.

184,
at Belleville, Sarpy County, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, October
3, 1855.

The
second lodge was Giddings Lodge, No. 156, at Nebraska City, Otoe County,
chartered by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, May 28, 1856.

The
third lodge was Capitol Lodge, No. 101, at Omaha City, Douglas County,
chartered by the Grand Lodge of Iowa, June 3, 1857.

These
three lodges, by their delegates, held a convention at Omaha City, September
23, 1857, and resolved to organize a Grand Lodge for the Territory of
Nebraska.

The
Grand Officers were elected, Bro. Robert C. Jordan being chosen Grand Master,
who held that station until 1860.

We
regret to record here that this "father of Nebraska Masonry" died January 9,
1899, aged seventy-four years.

Before
closing this history of Nebraska, intelligence was received of the sad ending
of the life of another distinguished brother, William R. Bowen, the Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, and Grand Recorder of the Grand
Commandery, who, like Brother Jordan, had been called the father of Nebraska
Masonry.

These
remarks are due, because of the writer's personal knowledge of, and intimate
association with, both of these Brethren, not only in the above grand bodies,
but also in the Supreme Council of the A.'.A.'.A.'.S.'. Rite, of which
Bro.'.Jordan was the Active Member for Nebraska up to the date of his death,
and Bro.'.Bowen was an Emeritus, having retired from the Active list several
years since.

Indian
Territory.

The
first lodge organized in the Indian Territory was Flint Lodge, in the
"Cherokee Nation," which received a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas,
dated November 9, 1853.

The
second lodge was called Muskogee, and subsequently named Eufala, in the "Creek
Nation," and received a dispensation, supposedly, from the Grand Master of
Arkansas in 1855; and a Charter was granted, November 7, 1855.

During
the war of 1861-65 it ceased its labors, and its Charter was arrested November
6, 1867.

Early
in 1874 the Grand Master of Arkansas revived the lodge; it remained on the
registry of that Grand Lodge nearly two years, until that Grand Lodge
recognized the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory.

Doaksville Lodge received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas,
December 23, 1870, and was chartered November 8, 1871. Caddo Lodge received a
dispensation, August 26, 1873, from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, and was
chartered October 14, 1873.

These
two were in the "Choctaw Nation."

Muskogee, Doaksville, and Caddo lodges met in convention, by their delegates,
October 5, 1874, and decided to form a Grand Lodge for the Indian Territory. A
constitution was adopted, Grand Officers were chosen and installed, and the
Grand Lodge was constituted, October 6, 1874.

Three
other lodges were in existence when the Grand Lodge was constituted, viz. :
Oklahoma, in the "Choctaw Nation," which had been chartered by the Grand Lodge
of Arkansas, November 18, 1868.

This
lodge, as soon as the Grand Lodge was started, sent in her Charter and had it
endorsed; it then came under that constitution.

Flint
Lodge, already described, and Alpha Lodge, also in the "Cherokee Nation,"
which had received a dispensation from Kansas, May 18, 1872, and a Charter,
October 17, 1872, declined joining the New Grand Lodge, and adhered to the
Grand Lodges from which they had received their warrants.

The
Grand Lodges of Arkansas and Kansas for some time refused to recognize the
Grand Lodge of Indian Territory.

In
1876 the latter Grand Lodge arrested the charters of the two delinquent
lodges.

The
Grand Lodge of Kansas sustained her daughter lodge and still refused to
acknowledge the New Grand Lodge.

The
issue continued until the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory rescinded her action
of 1876.

Soon
thereafter Flint Lodge surrendered, and Alpha Lodge followed her in October,
1878, after the desired action of the Grand Lodge of Kansas had been obtained.

Other
lodges subsequently had been chartered by the New Grand Lodge - two in the
Cherokee, two in the Choctaw, and two in the Chickasaw nations.

Colorado.

The
first lodges in Colorado were Golden City Lodge, at Golden City, chartered by
the Grand Lodge of Kansas, October 17, 1860; Summit Lodge, at Parkville,
chartered by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, June 5, 1861; and Rocky Mountain
Lodge, at Gold Hill,

June
5, 1861, by the same Grand Lodge.

August
2, 1861, the above-mentioned lodges met, by their delegates, in convention at
Golden City.

They
elected and installed their Grand Officers and constituted the Grand Lodge of
Colorado, and declared it to be regularly organized.

A
constitution was adopted.

The
Grand Lodge of Kansas, October 15, 1867, chartered Nevada Lodge, in Colorado,
it seems without the knowledge of the formation of the Grand Lodge of
Colorado. (How this could lave occurred we can scarcely conceive, as six years
had elapsed.) This lodge, not having done any Masonic work under the Charter,
was permitted to surrender the Charter and take anew one from the Grand Lodge
of Colorado.

Nevada.

Carson
Lodge, at Carson City, was chartered May 15, 1862; Washoe Lodge, at Washoe
City, and Virginia City Lodge, at Virginia City; both chartered May 14, 1863;
Silver City Lodge, changed afterward to Amity, at Silver City, chartered May
15 1863; Silver Star Lodge, at Gold Hill, Esmeralda Lodge, at Aurora, and
Escurial Lodge, at Virginia, all three chartered October 13, 1864; and Lander
Lodge, at Austin, chartered October 14, 1864. All of these eight lodges
recoved their charters from the Grand Lodge of California.

A
convention was called to meet January 16, 1865, which was accordingly done and
six lodges were represented the first day; the next day another lodge was
represented.

Lander
Lodge, of the above list, was the only lodge which did not appear in the
convention.

A
constitution was adopted. The Grand Officers were elected and installed
January 17, 1865.

The
old charters were endorsed for present use. Lander Lodge, although
unrepresented in the convention and organization, presumed herself to be a
part of the Grand Lodge, and under its jurisdiction made the returns to the
Grand Lodge with the other lodges.

The
first annual grand communication was held October 10, 1865.

Dakota.

The
first lodge organized in Dakota was St. John's Lodge, at Yankton, which
received from the Grand Lodge of Iowa, December 5, 1862, a dispensation, and
afterward a Charter, dated June 3, 1863; Incense Lodge, at Vermillion,
received a dispensation, January 14, 1869, and a Charter, June 2, 1869; Elk
Point Lodge, at Elk Point, received a dispensation, March 23, 1870, and a
Charter, June 8, 1871; Minnehaha Lodge, at Sioux Falls, received a
dispensation, July 13, 1873, and a Charter, June 3, 1874; Silver Star Lodge,
at Canton, received a dispensation, February 6, 1875, and a Charter, June 2,
1875; and Mount Zion Lodge, at Springfield, received a dispensation, February
16, 1875, and a Charter, June 2, 1875. All of the above warrants were granted
by authority of the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

A
dispensation was issued by the Grand Master of Minnesota, November 22, 1872,
for Shiloh Lodge, at Fargo, and a Charter was issued January 14, 1874.

He
also issued a dispensation to Bismarck Lodge in 1874, and again in 1875, and
on January 12, 1876, the lodge received a Charter.

June
21, 1875, a convention was held of the representatives of St.

John's, Incense, Elk Point, Minnehaha, and Silver Star lodges.

Those
of Mt. Zion Lodge, U.D., were present but did not participate in the
proceedings, the lodge not having a Charter. A constitution was adopted and
they elected their Grand Officers.

July
21, 1875, convention met again and the Grand Officers were installed in
public, by Illustrious Brother Theodore S. Parvin, P.G. Master and Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

This
Grand Lodge continued until the session of June 11-13, 1889, when by Act of
Congress, approved February 22, 1889, the division of the Territory of Dakota
into North and South Dakota was likely to be accomplished within a few months.

The
report of a committee on division of the Grand Lodge was adopted, and certain
lodges located in North Dakota were permitted to organize a Grand Lodge of
North Dakota, which will be stated under that designation.

The
name of "Dakota" was changed to "South Dakota" at the sixteenth communication
of the Grand Lodge, held June 10, 1890, in Madison.

South
Dakota is the designation of the original Grand Lodge of Dakota.

North
Dakota.

So
soon as it was determined by the Grand Lodge of Dakota, at its session, held
June 11-13, 1889, that there should be a division of the Grand Lodge of Dakota
to correspond with the political division of the Territory into North and
South Dakota, a convention was held, June 12, 1889, at the city of Mitchell,
where the Grand Lodge was in session, and the following lodges of North Dakota
were represented, viz. :

The
convention resolved that it was expedient to organize a Grand Lodge for North
Dakota.

A
constitution and by-laws were adopted.

June
13th, the first session of the Grand Lodge was held in the city of Mitchell.

The
elected and appointed officers were present and representatives of the above
twenty lodges.

The
Grand Lodge of North Dakota has continued to keep pace with the other Western
Grand Lodges.

Idaho

In
1863 a meeting of Masons was held in Idaho City, Boise County, and it was
resolved to apply to the Grand Master of Oregon for a dispensation to organize
a lodge, which was granted July 7, 1863, and on June 21, 1864, a charter was
granted to Idaho Lodge, No. 35.

The
next lodge was in Boise City, No. 37, April 1, 1865, under dispensation from
the Grand Lodge of Oregon.

At a
communication held in June, 1865, it was resolved to apply for a Charter,
which was granted to Boise City Lodge, No. 37, June 20, 1865.

Placer
Lodge, No. 38, was the third lodge organized under Warrant from the Grand
Lodge of Oregon, June 20, 1865. Pioneer Lodge, No. 12, recoved her Warrant
from the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Washington, June 7, 1867. Owyhee
Lodge received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Oregon, July 21, 1866.

The
above four chartered lodges held a Convention in Idaho City, December 16,
1867.

Owyhee
Lodge, U.D., from courtesy, was admitted and permitted to vote. The convention
decided to organize a Grand Lodge.

December 17, 1867, a full corps of Grand Officers was elected and installed.

Constitution of Grand Lodge of Oregon was adopted temporarily.

December 17th, Grand Lodge was opened in ample form and so has continued to
present time. (1)

Montana.

At the
burial of a Mason in the Territory of Montana was the first gathering of
Masons, which led to an effort to organize a lodge by an application to the
Grand Master of Nebraska, who issued a dispensation, April 27, 1863, to form a
lodge at Bannock, which was in Dakota, but supposed to be in Idaho.

This
dispensation was renewed on June 24, 1863, and authorized again on June 24,
1864, and finally, when it arrived at the place, the members had been
dispersed by removal of residence and no lodge was ever opened.

The
lodge Virginia City, No. 43, received a Charter dated December 26, 1864, from
the Grand Lodge of Kansas.

A
dispensation was received from the Grand Lodge of Colorado dated April 4,
1865, for Montana Lodge, No. 9, at Virginia City.

Helena
Lodge, No. 10, received a dispensation from the same Grand Lodge and was
organized August 17, 1865.

Both
of these lodges received charters granted November 7, 1865, from the Grand
Lodge of Colorado.

A
convention of the representatives of the above lodges was held January 24,
1866.

After
proper investigation as to the membership

(1)
From proceedings of Grand Lodge of Idaho, September, 1883.

of the
convention, it was decided to form a Grand Lodge and the convention closed.

The
officers of the three lodges then opened a Grand Lodge in due form.

A
constitution was adopted and the Grand Officers were elected.

January 26, 1866, the Grand Officers were regularly installed and at the same
time charters were issued to the lodges and returns were made of one hundred
and five members.

West
Virginia.

In
consequence of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865 the affairs of Masonry, in
common with all civil matters in Virginia and West Virginia, which latter had
been separated from the parent State, were in utter confusion.

Many
of the lodges, in West Virginia had ceased to meet, some had lost their
charters and other properties.

After
due consideration of the condition of things, in response to a circular from
Fairmont Lodge, No. 9, which had heen sent throughout the State, a convention
was held, December 28, 1863, at Grafton, which was held during a period of
great excitement, in consequence of some of the delegates having been
prevented from attending, by the movements of the war having again disturbed
the condition of the State.

After
two adjournments the convention finally met, June 24, 1864, in Fairmont.

Eight
of the working lodges out of thirteen in the State were represented.

Grand
Officers were elected and a day selected for their installation, but as the
convention adjourned sine die the Grand Officers decided that no further
action could be had under a misapprehension of an informality in their
proceedings.

A new
convention was called to meet April 12, 1865.

The
lodges represented were those at the prior convention, and were as follows,
viz.: Wellsburg, No. 108; Wheeling, No. 128; Ohio, No.

Grand
Officers were again elected, and May 10th (1) selected for their installation.

The
convention met on that day.

One
other lodge, Mt. Olivet, No. 113, in addition to the eight, was represented,
The convention closed and a Grand Lodge was opened.

The
Grand Officers were installed.

The
old charters were ordered to be endorsed

(1)
The record, page 13, says 11th, which is an error.

under
the seal of the Grand Lodge, and to be retained until new ones could be
prepared and issued.

Utah.

"Through much tribulation ye shall enter into" - Masonry.

A
dispensation was issued, February 4, 1866, by the Grand Master of Nevada for
the organization of Mt. Moriah Lodge at Salt Lake City.

The
lodge duly organized, but very soon the treatment by one of the lodges of
Masons of the Mormon faith became an issue, which was submitted to the Grand
Master of Nevada, who accordingly issued an edict forbidding the admission, as
visitors and the affiliation, of Mormons claiming to be Masons; and also the
reception of their petitions for the degrees.

The
lodge demurred to this decree, but submitted to the order of the Grand Master.

A
petition, however, was sent to the Grand Master to modify the decree, so that
Mormons not polygamists would be exempted from the decree.

The
dispensation of the lodge was returned, and a Charter asked for.

The
Grand Lodge approved of the edict of the Grand Master, and, declining to grant
a Charter, renewed the dispensation.

The
lodge, although "worse than sorrow-stricken," still continued to work for
another year.

The
lodge then petitioned for a Charter, with the condition that if they could not
have a Charter unrestricted by the edict, they declined having a Charter.

The
surrender of the dispensation was promptly accepted by the Grand Lodge.

The
members then presented their petition to the Grand Lodge of Montana, October
8, 1887, with a statement of the circumstances of their relation with the
Grand Lodge of Nevada.

The
Grand Lodge of Montana declared, that the assumption of the petitions that the
Grand Lodge of Nevada did not possess the power to decide who are not proper
persons to be admitted into its subordinate lodges, was "subversive of the
principles of Masonry." The petition for a Charter was rejected, and they were
referred to the Grand Lodge of Nevada for a redress of their alleged
grievances.

The
lodge applied then to the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, who
issued a dispensation, November 25, 1867, and on October 21, 1868, a Charter
was granted by the Grand Lodge.

A
convention was held at Salt Lake City, January 16, 1872, by the
representatives of the three lodges located in that city, viz.:

Wasatch Lodge, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Montana, October 7, 1867; Mount
Moriah Lodge, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Kansas, October 21, 1868;
Argenta Lodge, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, September 26, 1871.

It was
decided, by unanimous vote, to organize a Grand Lodge for Utah.

The
Grand Officers were chosen and installed, and the Grand Lodge was duly
constituted.

In
consequence of the Mormon Church being in their midst, difficulties at once
arose in one of the lodges.

A
member joined the Mormons, and upon trial by regular process he was expelled,
and the Grand Lodge affirmed the expulsion.

This
matter drew the attention of other Grand Lodges, who took formal action upon
it; and the course of the Grand Lodge of Utah was nearly, if not unanimously,
sustained.

Arizona.

Aztlan
Lodge, at Prescott, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of California, October
11, 1866; which also chartered Arizona Lodge, No. 257, at Phoenix, October 16,
1879, and Tucson Lodge, No. 263, at Tucson, October 15, 1881.

A
dispensation was issued to Solomon Lodge, at Tombstone, June 4, 1881, which
was continued at the next communication of the Grand Lodge of California,
October 1, 1882.

White
Mountain Lodge, No. 5, at Globe, received a Charter from the Grand Lodge of
New Mexico dated January 18, 1881.

The
representatives of Arizona Lodge, No. 257, Tucson Lodge, No.

263,
and White Mountain Lodge, No. 5, held a convention, March 23, 1882, at Tucson,
and the representatives of Solomon Lodge, U.D., were invited "to take part in
the deliberations of the Convention." The convention adopted a constitution.

A
lodge of Master Masons was then opened, and the Grand Officers were elected.

On
March 25th the Grand Officers were installed and the convention closed, and
the Grand Lodge was duly opened. The charters of the lodges were properly
endorsed and returned to them as the authority under which they continued
their existence.

Solomon Lodge, U.D., received her Charter under the name of King Solomon, No.
5. Aztlan Lodge had her Charter endorsed, and she made her returns.

These
five lodges had a membership of two hundred and seventy-four.

Wyoming

Cheyenne Lodge, No. 16, at Cheyenne, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of
Colorado, October 7, 1868.

Laramie Lodge, No. 18, at Laramie City, received a dispensation from the same
Grand Lodge, January 31, 1870, and a Charter, September 28, 1870.

Evanston Lodge, No. 24, at Evanston, recoved a dispensation from the same
Grand Lodge, September 8, 1873, and a Charter, September 30, 1874.

Wyoming Lodge, No. 28, at South Pass City, had a dispensation issued to her by
the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, November 20, 1869, and a Charter, June 23, 1870.

The
representatives of these four lodges met in convention December 15, 1874, at
Laramie City, and proceeded to organize a Grand Lodge for Wyoming by adopting
a constitution, electing and installing their Grand Officers on the 16th.

The
four lodges then had a membership of two hundred and fifty.

The
first annual communication was held October 12, 1875, and the Grand Lodge has
continued to hold its annual communications, and from the tabular statement at
the conclusion of this chapter will be found the number of members.

Oklahoma.

At the
eighteenth annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory, under
which Grand Lodge all the then existing lodges in Oklahoma Territory held
their lodge warrants, a paper was presented to the Grand Lodge from the
"members and representatives of the various Lodges of Masons in the Territory
of Oklahoma organized and bring within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of
Indian Territory, respectfully ask your consent and the consent of said Grand
Lodge to the formation and organization by the said Oklahoma Lodges of a
separate and independent Grand Lodge within and for said Oklahoma Territory to
be known as the 'Grand Lodge of Oklahoma' and to have and possess hereafter
exclusive Masonic jurisdiction and authority as the Grand Lodge within and for
the said Territory of Oklahoma.

"Dated
at Tahlequah, I.T., August 16, 1892."

This
was signed by the representatives of the following lodges: Guthrie Lodge, No.
35; North Canadian Lodge, No. 36; Edmond Lodge, No. 37.

This
was referred to a committee, and upon a favorable report, the petition was
granted and suitable arrangements were made for holding a convention of all
the lodges in the new Territory, at which the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge
was to preside and install the newly elected Grand Officers and formally
proclaim by authority of that Grand Lodge "that the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma is
legally organized," etc.

On
motion of Rev. Bro. R.W. Hill the Grand Lodge unanimously voted a set of Grand
Lodge jewels to the new Grand Lodge.

We
have not been able to get a copy of the proceedings of the convention which
was held November 10, 1892, but have before us the proceedings of the first
annual communication held at El Reno, Oklahoma Territory, February 14, 1893,
when there were represented the following lodges, viz. :

We
have received the information that the Grand Master of Washington Territory
issued a dispensation for a lodge to be organized in Sitka, Alaska, April 14,
1868.

This
dispensation was continued September 17, 1868, and finally revoked October 18,
1872.

We
have no further information as to any lodges since that time.

There
is no doubt that very soon lodges will be formed in several of the new towns
which have sprung up in the gold regions, so soon as the population shall have
become more stable and permanently settled.

TABLE
SHOWING THE NUMBER OF GRAND LODGES IN THE UNITED STATES; AND NUMBER OF MEMBERS
IN EACH, FOR THE YEAR 1908.

No.
Names of Grand Lodges

Date

of

Formation.

Membership.

1

Alabama

June
14, 1821.

19,966
2

Arizona

March
25, 1882

1,394
3

Arkansas

February 22, 1832

18,293
4

California

April
18, 1850

36,126
5

Colorado

August
2, 1861

12,226
6

Connecticut

July
8, 1789

20,752

Dakota
Territory

July
21, 1875

Extinct.

7

Delaware

June
6, 1806

2,888
8

District of Columbia

December 11,1810

7,999
9

Florida

July
6, 1830

7,228
10

Georgia

December 16, 1786

28,420
11

Idaho

December 17, 1867

2,395
12

Illinois

April
6, 1840

85,683
13

Indiana

January 13, 1818

47,353
14

Indian
Territory

October 6, 1874

8,476
15

Iowa

January 2, 1844

37,838
16

Kansas

March
17, 1856

28,764
17

Kentucky

October 16, 1800

30,600
18

Louisiana

July
11, 1812

10,584
19

Maine

June
1, 1820

26,530
20

Maryland

April
17, 1787

12,310
21

Massachusetts

July
30, 1733

51,825
22

Michigan

June
24, 1826

56,010
23

Minnesota

February 23, 1853

22,014
24

Mississippi

July
27, 1818

14,371
25

Missouri

April
23, 1821

45,348
26

Montana

January 26, 1866

4,421
27

Nebraska

September 23, 1857

15,728
28

Nevada

January 17, 1865

1,241
29

New
Hampshire

July
8, 1789

9,727
30

New
jersey

December 18, 1786

26,595
31

New
Mexico

August
7, 1877

1,590
32

New
York

September 5, 1781

152,928 33

North
Carolina

December 9, 1787

16,835
34

North
Dakota

June
13, 1889

5,945
35

Ohio

January 5, 1809

68,679
36

Oklahoma

October, 1892

7,978
37

Oregon

August
16, 1851

8,085
38

Pennsylvania

September 26, 1786

75,273
39

Rhode
Island

June
21, 1791

6,719
40

South
Carolina

February 5, 1787

10,403
41

South
Dakota

June
21, 1875

6,675
42

Tennessee

December 27, 1813

20,986
43

Texas

December 20, 1837

41,736
44

Utah

January 1, 1872

1,343
45

Vermont

October 15, 1794

12,078
46

Virginia

October 13, 1777

17,644
47

Washington

December 8, 1858

10,903
48

West
Virginia

May
11, 1865

1,778
49

Wisconsin

December 18, 1843

22,974
50

Wyoming

December 5, 1874.....

2,102

P. 1486

CHAPTER LVI

HISTORY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF
FREEMASONRY INTO EACH STATE AND TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES

Royal
Arch Masonry.

ON
Chapter XLIX., Dr. A. G. Mackey, having, in a very elaborate and satisfactory
manner, given the history of the introduction of Royal Arch Masonry into
America; and in Chapter L., the organization of the General Grand Chapter in
the United States, it is quite unnecessary for the present writer to make any
preface to the details of the organization of the particular Chapters and the
Grand Chapters in the several Grand jurisdictions.

We
shall, therefore, proceed at once to that work, and in an alphabetical
arrangement, for a better reference to any special jurisdiction when required.

Alabama.

Prior
to May, 1823, there were four chapters in Alabama having been chartered by the
General Grand Chapter.

A
convention of the delegates of these chapters was held in Mobile in May and
June, 1823, and it was decided to form a Grand Chapter for the State.

The
junior Chapter, Monroe, having taken exceptions, referred the matter to the
General Grand Chapter at its session, September 16, 1826, when the following
was adopted :

“Resolved, That the formation of a Grand Chapter for the State of Alabama, in
May, 1823,” prior to the expiration of one year from the establishment of the
junior chapter in such State, “was prohibited by the 11th section
of the 2d Article of the General Grand Constitution, and that therefore this
General Grand Chapter cannot ratify or approve of the proceedings of the
convention held at Mobile on the third Monday of May, 1823, or recognize the
body claiming to be considered the Grand Chapter of Alabama”

A
recommendation was, however, made to the four chapters to proceed to form a
Grand Chapter.

On
June 2, 1827, the Grand Chapter was reorganized, and met in December
following, and annually until 1830, when it ceased to meet.

December, 1837, the delegates from the several chapters met and reorganized
the Grand Chapter, and it has continued as a constituent of the General Grand
Chapter.

Arizona.

Pursuant to an invitation from Companion Past High-Priest George J.

Roskruge of Tucson Chapter, No. 3, a convention of Royal Arch Masons met in
the hall of Tucson Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., in Tucson, County of Pima, for
the purpose of taking steps to organize a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
for the Territory of Arizona, November 13, 1889.

The
convention was called to order by Companion Past High-Priest Martin W. Kales
of Arizona Chapter, No. 1. Companion George J.

Roskruge of Tucson Chapter 3 was chosen Chairman of the convention and
Companion Frank Baxter was elected Secretary.

A
committee on credentials was appointed and reported the following chapters as
being represented, viz.

A
committee was appointed on Constitution and By-Laws, and the convention took a
recess; and on resuming labor the committee reported a Constitution and
By-Laws, which were adopted.

The
convention then elected their officers; Martin W. Kales was chosen Grand
High-Priest, and Gcorge J. Roskruge Grand Secretary.

The
convention then adjourned subject to a call from the Grand Secretary.

November 12, 1890, the convention met and Companion George J.

Roskruge presided.

The
same chapters, as before, were represented, and there were also present a
number of Past High-Priests and Past Grand High-Priests, and Companion Titus
of California, all of whom were invited to seats (without votes).

The
President stated the object of the convention and read his Warrant as Deputy
of the General Grand High-Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the United
States, dated November 1, 1890.

On
motion, the constitution, as adopted at the former convention, was amended, to
conform to the recommendation of the General Grand High-Priest.

The
convention then adjourned, that the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of
Arizona might be opened in ample form.

The
first annual convocation was then opened (November 12, 1890) at 8 P.M., George
J. Roskruge, Grand High-Priest, presiding, and Morris Goldwater, Grand
Secretary.

The
convention then proceeded to elect the Grand Officers, and Martin W. Kales was
elected Grand High-Priest, and George James Roskruge was elected Grand
Secretary.

Companion Roskruge acting as Deputy General Grand High.

Priest
of the United States constituted the Grand Chapter of Arizona and installed
the officers in accordance with the dispensation granted by the General Grand
High-Priest, David F. Day.

On the
following day (November 13, 1890) a convention of Anointed High-Priests was
organized and officers were elected.

Eight
Past High-Priests were anointed.

Arkansas.

Charters were granted by the General Grand Chapter of the United States to
three chapters in Arkansas, the first being under date of September 17, 1841.

The
Grand Chapter was organized at a convention held April 28, 1851, and Companion
Elbert H. English was the first Grand High-Priest.

When
the General Grand Chapter of the United States held its convocation at
Nashville, Tenn., on November 24, 1874, Companion English was elected General
Grand High-Priest.

His
death occurred September 1, 1884.

In the
years I853 and I854, Companion Albert Pike was the Grand High-Priest.

California.

The
first dispensation to organize a chapter of Royal Arch Masons in California
was issued May 9, 1850, to San Francisco Chapter, No.

1, and
a Charter was granted September 13th.

Charters were issued to Sonora, No. 2, and Sacramento, No. 3, September 17,
1853. These three chapters sent delegates to a convention held May 6, 1854, at
Sacramento, where measures were taken to organize a Grand Chapter, and after
three days’ session adjourned to meet at San Francisco, July 18, 1854, where
the organization and constitution were fully completed by the installation of
the Grand Officers.

Colorado.

Central City Chapter, No. 1, in Central City, was the first chapter to which a
dispensation, dated March 23, 1863, was issued in Colorado, which was granted
by the General Grand King.

English, M.E. General Grand High-Priest, May 11, 1875, and the Grand Chapter
of Colorado was regularly constituted.

Connecticut.

Six
members of Saint John’s Lodge, No. 2, located in the town of Middletown,
Conn., having received and been “duly initiated into the most sublime degree
of an Excellent, Superexcellent, and Royal Arch Mason in regular constituted
Royal Arch Chapters,” and proving each other, they “duly opened and held the
first regular Grand Royal Arch Chapter.” (1) They elected their officers.
Their first meeting was held September 12, 1783.

The
“Mother-Chapter,” or Washington Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the City of
New York, granted the following charters in Connecticut: Hiram, No. 1, in
Newtown, April 29, 1791; Franklin, No. 2, New Haven, May 20, 1795; Franklin,
No. 4, Norwich, March 15, 1796, and Solomon, No. 5, Derby, March 15, 1796.

Vanden
Broeck also No. 5, received its Charter from the Grand Chapter of New York,
dated April 6, 1796; it is said, however, that the first record was dated
December 24, 1795.

(1) At
that day the word “Grand “ was taken from the A. A. A. R., where all the
bodies were termed Grand.-EDITOR.

A
convention Nyas held by the delegates of these six chapters, in Hartford, May
17, 1798, which organized the Grand Chapter of Connecticut.

Half-yearly convocations were held until May, 1819, when the constitution was
changed to annual convocations and specials when required.

When
the convention to form a Grand Chapter met in Hartford, Conn., January 24, A.L.
5798, “ agreeable to the recommendation of a Convention of Committees
assembled at Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, in October, 1797,” there
were present: from Connecticut, representatives of Solomon Chapter of Derby,
instituted 5794; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Norwich, and Franklin Chapter, No.
5, New Haven. (1) Ephraim Kirby, of Litchfield, was chosen the first General
Grand High-Priest.

In
examining the records of the first chapters prior to the organization of the
General Grand Chapter of 1797, we notice the designation of the officers as
being somewhat different from the same officers at a more recent date.

In
Hiram Chapter of Connecticut the officers were “High-Priest, King, Scribe,
Zerubbabel a Royal Arch Captain, three Grand Masters, a Treasurer, a
Secretary, an Architect, a Clothier, and a Tyler.” It was required that the
“High-Priest should preside, direct the business, and occasionally to give a
lecture.” Now it is “to read and expound the law.” The Scribe’s duty was to
“cause the Secretary to enter, in a fair and regular manner, the proceedings
of the chapter,” and “to summons the members for attendance at every regular
and special meeting. . . .

and
also to administer the obligation.” It was the duty of Zerubbabel “to
superintend the arrangements of the Chapter”; of the Royal Arch Captain, “to
keep watch at the Sanctuary”; of the three Grand Masters, “to watch the
Veils”; of the Clothier, “to provide and take care of the Clothing”; of the
Architect, “to provide and take care of the furniture.” (2)

In the
English Royal Arch, Zerubbabel is the first Principal and in the present
American Royal Arch, Zerubbabel is the Second Principal, and designated King,
which designation, in our judgment, is a misnomer, as he never was a King, but
was called “Tirshatha,” which was an office of Governor under the King of
Persia, and was, in reality, in the construction of the second Temple,
subordinate to the High-Priest, who had entire management of that work.

(1)
Compendium, Genl. Gr. Ch., p. 8.

(2)
Capitular Degrees, “ Hist. Masonry and Con. Orders,” p. 606.

Zerubbabel soon retired and returned to Babylon, and the Temple was finally
completed by a High-Priest.

Dakota.

In
1883 eight chapters had, at different times, been chartered by the General
Grand Chapter of the United States, viz. -.

A
convention was held at Aberdeen, June 10, 1884, at which the following
chapters were represented: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the above list.

When
it was agreed to petition the General Grand High-Priest to grant a Warrant to
organize a Grand Chapter for Dakota, five chapters voted for it and No. 7
against, and finally agreed, as also did Keystone chapter, No. 11, under
dispensation.

A
convention met February 25, 1885, pursuant to a call made January 8, 1885 at
Sioux FaHs.

Chapters which were not represented were: Pembina, No. 5, at Pembina;
Missouri, No. 6, at Bismarck, and Millbank, U.D., at Millbank.

The
Grand Chapter of Dakota continued to prosper until the division of the State,
by Act of Congress, February 22, 1889, into North and South Dakota.

When,
on January 6, 1890, a convention was held in Yankton, S. D., and the
representatives of the chapters located in South Dakota held a convention, and
by the consent of the Grand Chapter of Dakota they organized the Grand Chapter
of South Dakota, January 6, 1890, under the constitution of the General Grand
Chapter.

Delaware.

The
early history of the innoduction of Royal Arch Masonry into the State of
Delaware is very uncertain.

We
have no records to refer to.

It is
said that a Grand Chapter was formed on June 19, 1818.

By
what authority we can not ascertain; the “compendium” is silent upon Delaware.

In the
Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter of the Twenty-first Triennial
Convocation, held in Baltimore, September 19, 1871, we find the General Grand
High-Priest’s reference to the State of Delaware,’ as follows:

“Among
the first to demand my attention was to examine into the condition of the
Grand Chapter of Delaware, and if found to be a legal Grand Chapter, to have
the same enrolled under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, as
requested by the companions in Delaware.

Having
been solicited to visit Wilmington, for the purpose of instituting St. John’s
Chapter, which had been chartered by this Body at its last convocation (1868),
I did so on the 19th of October, 1868, and having instituted said
chapter, embraced that opportunity to fully investigate the condition of Royal
Arch Masonry in the State, and for that purpose I held interviews with some of
the most prominent Royal Arch Masons in the jurisdiction.

From
those companions, and from the records, I ascertained that there had existed
in Delaware no regular Grand Chapter since the year 1856, at which time the
original Grand Chapter ceased to meet and elect Grand Officers. I ascertained
that there had been a ‘Convocation of Royal Arch Masons’ at Dover in 1859, at
which meeting but one chapter, of the three then existing in that State, was
legally represented. At that irregular ‘Convocation’ an election was had,
Companion GEO. W. CHAYTOR being elected Grand High Priest.

“No
other convocation of the (so-called) Grand Chapter was held until January,
1868, a period of nine years.

During
this time, Companion Chaytor claimed to be the Grand High-Priest, but he

(3)Proceedings Genl.
Gr. Ch. U.S., 1871, P.10.

refused persistently to assemble the Craft in Grand Convocation.

Some
three or four years subsequent to the meeting of 1859, a difficulty having
aisen between Companion Chaytor and the other members of Washington and
Lafayette Chapter, No. 1, of which he was then High-Priest, he, in his
capacity of Grand High-Priest, declared the said chapter suspended, thereby
placing himself in the anomalous position of a self-suspended Royal Arch
Mason; that is, provided he possessed any powers as Grand High-Priest.

“At
the meeting in January, 1868, there was simply an assemblage of Royal Arch
Masons, no one of whom claimed to act in a representative capacity.

Companion Chaytor was present, but he refused to open a Grand Chapter, giving
as a reason, that his chapter was under a suspension, and therefore there were
but two chapters left in the State.

Thereupon the assemblage resolved itself into a ‘Royal Arch Convention,’ and
proceeded to elect Grand Officers and to adopt a constitution.

And
this was the body which made application to the last Convocation of the
General Grand Chapter, to be recognized as the Grand Chapter of the State of
Delaware.

“With
these facts before me, there was but one conclusion to which I could
legitimately arrive.

Accordingly, on the 20th of October 1868, I issued an edict,
declaring that any legal existence heretofore attaching to a Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of the State of Delaware had ceased; that said State Grand Chapter no
longer existed; and that the several chapters heretofore holding under it had
become dormant for non-use and for other reasons.

And
that, by the fact of the cessation of the Grand Chapter of the State of
Delaware, all semblance of lawful governmental authority in that State had
ceased, and the territory had become litfore vacant; and therefore the
authority of the General Grand Chapter of the United States did, of right,
obtain, and was in full force and effect, in said State of Delaware.

Thereupon, I did order and direct, that the three Chapters which had formerly
held under the Grand Chapter of Delaware, should be received and recognized as
lawful Royal Arch Chapters, under the jurisdiction of the General Grand
Chapter, and with authority to resume and continue work under the warrants
then held by them, until the pleasure of the General Grand Chapter was made
known, or a State Grand Chapter was formed.

“On
the 9th day of January, 1869, upon application duly made, and under
the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution of the General Grand
Chapter, I issued an edict granting permission for the formation of a Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Delaware.”

January 20, 1869, the legal representatives of four chapters in Delaware met
in convention at Dover and organized a Grand Chapter for the State and adopted
their constitution.

The
General Grand High-Priest, Dr. James M. Austin, was present and installed the
Grand Officers; and he officially received and welcomed the said Grand Body
into the family of Grand Chapters; and on January 30, 1869, by special edict,
he ordered and directed that Grand Chapter to be enrolled under the
jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.

District of Columbia.

The
very first intimation we have of the Royal Arch degree in the District of
Columbia, we find in the old record-book of the “Excellent, Superexcellent,
Royal Arch Encampment,” under the Charter of Federal Lodge, No. 15, F.A.A.M.,
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, which is referred to in
Chapter LIL, page 1369.

We
make the following extracts from that first “Encampment”: “At a meeting of the
Royal Arch Encampment, held in the Lodge, No. 15 (Federal Lodge), on Monday,
December ‘4th, A. L.

Whereas, It appears to be the desire of several Brethren of this Lodge that a
Royal Arch Encampment should be established in this city, therefore,

“Resolved, That a committee be appointed of the following Brethren, viz.:
Brothers Ralph, Wilson, and Dulancy, to procure every necessary apparatus, and
to adjust the necessary fees and expenses of admission to this Degree. (1)

“Resolved, That the Brethren who wish to join this Encampment be requested to
subscribe to a paper instrument, handed to them by

(3)It will be
observed that there was but one degree.-EDITOR.

Bro.
Sweeney previous to the foregoing Committee proceeding in the calculation in
the expenses of our Robes, Veils, (1) Furniture, &c.

The
Committee to meet on Wednesday evening, at 4 o’clock p.m. and general meeting
of the Royal Arch Masons to meet at 6 o’clock previously the same evening.”
The meeting then adjourned.

December 16, 1795. Present as at last meeting except Bro.

Stephenson.

The
Committee appoiited at the last meeting made their report: which was that
twenty-three pounds and one shilling is indispensably necessary to provide the
materials to prepare them and to arrange the Lodge room previous to the
formation of a Royal Arch Encampment) &c., &c., which was agreed to.

At a
meeting held June 17, 5797, it was announced by a letter from Comp. Sweeney
that a Royal Arch Grand Lodge is about to be formed for the State of Maryland
to meet at Baltimore June 24th.

A
circular letter was received from George L. Gray, No. 5 Market St., Baltimore,
giving information of the establishment of a Grand Chapter in the city of
Baltimore.

This
chapter or encampment held its meetings until February, 5799, when it
“resolved that the Royal Arch Encampment be broke up!” and a committee was
appointed to settle up its affairs and everyone to receive his dividend.

To
show who were the officers and their titles we give the following list:

M.W.
James Hoban, High-Pricst.

R.W.
John Carter, Captain-General.

R.W.
Robert Brown, 1st Grand Master.

R.W.
Redmond Purcell, 2d Grand Master.

R.W.
Peter Lenox, 3d Grand Master.

John
Hanley, Treasurer.

Patrick Hearly, Secretary.

John
Lenox, Tyler.

The
second record-book begins as follows

At a
meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter at their Lodge room on Saturday evening,
December 1, 1804, the following Companions present :

Phil
P. Eckel, High-Priest, p. t. (2) Charles Jones, Captain-General.

(1)
Robes and Veils are here specified for the first time, we believe.-EDITOR.

(2)
Philip P. Eckel was a distinguished member of a chapter in Baltimore.-EDITOR.

Benj.

King,
1st Grand Master.

C. M.
Laughlan, 2d Grand Master.

Bern’d
Doland, 3d Grand Master.

John
Davis, Grand Scribe. (1) Visitors, John Scott, John Carter.

The
degree of Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal Arch was conferred upon several
Brethren, ten dollars being the fee.

On
Sunday, December 14, 1806, a meeting is recorded, and they adopted the
following :

“Resolved, That this Chapter concur with the resolution passed by Concordia R.
A. Chapter as far as respects a Grand Royal Arch Chapter and that a Committee
be appointed to meet in Grand Convention at the City of Washington on the
third Wednesday in January next (1807) any Committees which may be appointed
for the purpose aforesaid.

“February 14, 1807.

Ordered that this Chapter be represented at the next Royal Arch Chapter to be
held at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, on the second Thursday of May
next, by the Officers fixed on by the Constitution of the Grand Chapter.

“Resolved, That that part of the Constitution which states that the
High-Priest and King are the proper representatives be altered so as to add,
‘unless ordered by the Chapter.’

“Resolved, That the Treasurer do pay into the hands of the Treasurer of the
Grand R.A. Chapter $10, for the purpose of obtaining our Warrant (2) and also
other Contingent expenses relative thereto.”

Februar 7, 18O7, was adopted the following:

“Resolved, That in future the following sums shall be paid by Candidates for
the following degrees, namely, for Past Master $2, for Mark Master $3, and for
the degree of Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal Arch $10.”

At
this time it was

“Resolved, That this Chapter shall hereafter be entitled and known by the name
of the Royal Arch Union Chapter.”

This
record-book terminates August 20, 5808, giving no intimation of any cause
whatever why the chapter should not have continued

(1)
Title of Grand Scribe unknown in the first Encampment.-EDITOR.

(2)
This seems to indicate that there was no Warrant prior to this date.

Its
sessions.

At the
meeting previous to the above date all the officers had been elected and
installed.

A
dispensation had been Isued by the General Grand High-Priest to the several
chapters in the District of Columbia to organize a Grand Chapter August 30,
1822, and the report of the committee was adopted recommending the adoption of
the resolution above quoted.

(1)

This
Grand Chapter continued in existence from February 10, 1824, to January 8th,
1833, being composed of the following chapters, viz.: Federal Chapter, No. 3;
Union Chapter, No. 4; Potomac Chapter, No. 8.

Several conventions were held from time to time, however, between May 11,
1822, and February 10, 1824, at which latter date the delegates of the several
chapters of Royal Arch Masons of the District of Columbia met in General
Convention and the following chapters were properly represented: Federal
Chapter, No. 3; Union Chapter, No. 4; Brooke Chapter, No. 6, of Alexandria,
Va., and Potomac Chapter, No. 8, of Georgetown.

The
convention was duly organized, and the Grand Officers were elected and a
constitution which had been regularly formulated and adopted at a former
convention was adopted.

In the
evening of the same day (Tuesday, February 10, 1824) the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter for the District of Columbia was opened in ample form, and the
convention was accordingly dissolved.

The
Grand Officers were duly installed by Comp’n John B. Hammett, a Past Grand
High-Priest.

At a
meeting of the Grand Chapter held March 9, 1824, the following communication
was received and read and laid on the table:

“GEORGETOWN, February 11, 1824, POTOMAC ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, No. 8.

“Resolved Unanimously, That we deem it inexpedient to separate from the Grand
Chapter of the State of Maryland and District of Columbia and that we will not
avail ourselves of the permission and authority granted by a resolution past
said Grand Chapter at their last Communication. (Extracts from the Minute.)

EDW.
DEEBLE, Scribe.”

(3)Pro. Gen. Gr.
Ch., 1826, P. 77.

Previous to the closing of the convention the numbers of the chapters were
arranged as follows: Federal, No. 1 ; Union, No. 2; Brooke, No. 3; Potomac,
No. 4, and that charters to these should be made accordingly.

At the
semi-annual meeting we find No. 1 to be designated as Washington Royal Arch
Chapter, No. 1.” This change was made by that chapter at a meeting held
February 23, 1824.

The
Grand Chapter continued to exist until its annual communication, held January
8, 1833, which is the last record in the book.

Potomac Chapter, No. 4, never united with this Grand Chapter, but held under
her old Charter.

At the
annual meeting of the Grand Chapter, held January 9, 1827, a petition was
received from Comp. P. Mauro, on behalf of himself and thirteen other
Companions requesting a dispensation or Charter be granted to them for a
chapter under the title of Temple Chapter, No. 4, which was unanimously
granted.

At an
adjourned convocation, held March 14, 1827, after installation of the Grand
Officers, the officers elect of Temple Chapter, No. 4, were installed by the
Grand High-Priest.

This
Grand Chapter closed its existence after the annual convocation January 8,
1833, as no meeting was recorded in the old book after that date, if any were
held at all.

We
must now refer to the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter and at the
eleventh meeting, held September 14, 1841, we find that a resolution was
adopted authorizing the Deputy General Grand High-Priest to take the necessary
steps to place all chapters of Royal Arch Masons in that part of the District
of Columbia, formerly belonging to the State of Maryland, under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Maryland. (1) At the next meeting, held
September 10, 1844, that officer reported that the resolution above referred
to had been duly enforced and confirmed by the Grand Chapter of the State of
Maryland; and that Grand Chapter has assumed and now holds jurisdiction over
that portion of the District of Columbia lying within the limits of the State,
that at present Maryland has two chapters at work therein. (2) These two
chapters were, Columbia No.

15,
and Washington No. 16.

The
chapters in the District of Columbia remained attached to and under the Grand
Chapter of Maryland which on September 10,

(1)
1841, p. 165.

(2)
1844, p. 181.

1844,
was changed to Maryland and District of Columbia, until the year 1867, when
steps were taken by the four chapters in the District of Columbia to
reorganize a Grand Chapter.

These
were: Columbia, No. 15; Washington, No. 16; Mount Vernon, No. 20; and Potomac,
No. 8. After many preliminary conventions, and surmounting technical
difficulties and bitter hostilities to their efforts, the General Grand
High-Priest, John L. Lewis, gave his consent by telegram first, which was
followed by his official letter.

Companion Albert G. Mackey, Past General Grand High-Priest, was invited to
come from Charleston, S.C., to constitute the Grand Chapter and install the
Grand Officers, which ceremonies took place in Washington at the Opera-house,
May 23, 18767. The Grand Chapter was successfully launched, but soon
encountered quicksand and shoals.

The
enemies of the Grand Chapter did not hesitate to take the most unmasonic
measures to stop the progress of Royal Arch Masonry in the District of
Columbia; a self-constituted committee of four visited the General Grand
High-Priest at his home in New York and by a tissue of falsehoods and a
well-concocted false statement, induced that officer to recall his permission,
long after the Grand Chapter had successfully entered upon a very prosperous
course.

Two
constituent chapters had been chartered to take the place of Potomac Chapter,
which withdrew from the Grand Chapter and, as in 1824, decided to remain with
the Grand Chapter in Maryland.

The
General Grand High-Priest issued his edict, requiring the chapters in the
District of Columbia to disband the new Grand Chapter, and return to their
allegiance to the Grand Chapter of Maryland and District of Columbia.

This
not being complied with, he at once issued another edict, and expelled every
Royal Mason belonging to the chapters in the District except those four and
the members of Potomac Chapter.

Thus
matters remained.

The
Companions in Washington went along about their business of Masonry and a
wonderful prosperity followed them.

When
the General Grand Chapter met in St. Louis in 1868, the Grand Chapter of the
District was sustained in her action and admitted to the General Grand
Chapter.

We
have kindly omitted all personalities in this veritable history, because
nearly every prominent Companion in this contest has gone to his reward, and
we say, as all interested should, Pax Vobiscum.

The
General Grand Chapter permitted Potomac Chapter, No. 8, to retain her place
under the Grand Chapter of Maryland, but decided that the whole territory of
the District was in the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of the District of
Columbia, and she could not receive any petitions for the degrees.

This
continued for a few months, when Potomac finally asked to be admitted among
the faithful, which was readily granted, and since that time there has been no
more faithful members of the Grand Chapter than the Companions of Old Potomac,
No. 8, and universally esteemed and beloved.

The
Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia has increased since May 7, 1867,
from three chapters with 498 members, to eleven chapters and 2,204 members in
1898.

Florida.

In the
“Compendium “ giving the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for the
sixth meeting of that body, September 14, 1826, the General Grand High-Priest,
DeWitt Clinton, reported that he had granted dispensations for a Mark Lodge in
St. Augustine and also one in St. Francisville in Florida. (1)

The
Grand Chapter of Virginia had chartered two chapters in Florida, viz. :
Magnolia, No. 16, at Appalachicola, and Florida, No. 32, at Tallahassee.

There
was a chapter at St. Augustine chartered by the Grand Chapter of South
Carolina.

We
find in the “Compendium” in the proceedings for the thirteenth meeting of the
General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1847, the following in the report of
the General Grand Secretary: (2)

“On
the 11th day of January last (1847), three chapters of Royal Arch
Masons in the State of Florida, by their delegates, met in Convention and
resolved to form a Grand Chapter for that State.

They
therefore proceeded to frame a Constitution and enact bylaws; and on the 21 st
of the same month they elected officers and organized a Grand Chapter; and
among their proceedings it will be found that they desire to place their Grand
Chapter under your jurisdiction.

On
receipt of the copy of their Constitution and letter accompanying it, I
immediately acknowledged the same, and requested their Grand Secretary to
inform me from what Grand

(1)
“Compendium,” 1826, P. 73.

(2)
Ibid., 1847, P. 140.

Chapter the several Chapters in the State received their respective charters,
and the time when each was issued.

To
this letter, as yet, I have received no answer.”

The
next notice of Florida we find in the proceedings of the same meeting, (1)
where a committee on General Grand Secretary’s report say :

“That
it appears from documents referred to your committee, a Convention of
delegates from the Royal Arch Chapters in the State of Florida, assembled in
Tallahassee, in the month of January, 1847, at which time the following
preamble and resolutions were adopted” (which we omit).

The
committee say:

“In
the published proceedings of said Grand Chapter we find the adopted
Constitution, and the following resolutions :

“Resolved, That the Grand Chapter of Florida, duly appreciating the advantages
of a Masonic head and paramount authority, are disposed to come under the
jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.

“Resolved, That the Grand Secretary communicate the same to the General Grand
Secretary of the General Grand Chapter.”

Among
the comments of the committee they say : “It is to be regretted that the Grand
Secretary did not furnish that precise information of the origin of the
several chapters which composed the convention as would have enabled your
committee to report in such a manner as to recommend to this General Grand
Chapter the incorporation of that Grand Chapter under your jurisdiction at the
present time,” etc.

Some
objections were also made to several sections of their constitution; they
recommended certain resolutions aiming to overcome the objections, and thereby
to admit the Grand Chapter to her proper place as a constituent of this
General Grand Chapter.

The
Grand Chapter of Florida did not understand the motive of the action of the
General Grand Chapter and did not comply with the request for explanations.

At the
sixteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter held in 1856 the General Grand
High-Priest was authorized to recognize the Grand Chapter of Florida and place
it in the same position as the other Grand Chapters, at its request.

The
war period of 1861 to 1865 prevented the accomplishment

(3)“Compendium,”
pp. 158, 159, 161, 171.

Of
this arrangement until January 13, 1869, when the Grand Chapter of Florida
accepted the invitation by passing the following:

“Resolved, That this Grand Chapter accept such invitation in a true Masonic
spirit and will hereafter bear allegiance and support to the said General
Grand Chapter.”

Georgia.

The
office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Georgia can not furnish
any information as to when Royal Arch Masonry was introduced into that
jurisdiction.

The
first notice of Georgia in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter is at
the third septennial meeting, January 9, 1806, and is a Warrant to Georgia
(Chapter at Savannah.

At the
fourth meeting, beld June 6, 1816 (special), Union Chapter, at Louisville,
received a Warrant.

At the
fifth regular meeting, Augusta Chapter received a Warrant. (1) At the tenth
meeting, held September 11, 1838, a dispensation was granted to a chapter at
Macon. (2)

The
next notice of Georgia in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter is at
the sixth meeting, in 1826. “That charters have been granted to Mechanic’s
Chapter, at Lexington, Georgia, on the 10th June, 1820; to Webb
Chapter, at Sparta, Georgia, on 16th November, 1821; by the Deputy
General Grand High-Priest, Henry Fowle.” (3) At the same meeting we find the
following: “ That Grand Royal Arch Chapters have been legally and
constitutionally formed, since the last meeting of this Body, within and for
the States of Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Georgia, and Tennessee, with
the consent of one of the General Grand Officers

At the
thirteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1847, the
General Grand Secretary reports as follows : (5)

“Within the last few days, however, on examination of the old files of papers,
I found a printed paper, to which the name of one of the General Grand
Secretaries is affixed, giving a list of the Grand Chapters under the
jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, and therein appears the name of the
Grand Chapter of Georgia.

“It
would seem that this is a good evidence of that Grand

(1)
“Compendium,” pp. 36, 46, 56.

(2)
Ibid., pp. 103, 106.

(3)
Ibid., p. 72.

(4)
Ibid., p. 76.

(5)
Ibid., pp. 140, 141.

Chapter having been recognized, and that if so, it should be, in some way,
made to appear upon the record.”

The
report of the committee on the last item as found at the same meeting, was
that they did find documentary evidence in the hands of the General Grand
Secretary sufficient to prove that the Grand Chapter of Georgia was a
constituent of the General Grand Chapter, although said Grand Chapter had not
been represented, or made returns to that body since 1822.

The
above statement of facts is not very flattering to the officers of the General
Grand Chapter, whose duty it evidently was to know from the records and
registers who were the constituents of that Grand Body.

Such
remissness and want of knowledge in regard to the very vital affairs show
gross neglect of duty and want of care in the management of so important a
body of Masons as the General Grand Chapter.

Idaho.

The
Grand Chapter of Oregon granted a Charter to Idaho Chapter, in Idaho City,
June 18, 1867, being under the impression that the General Grand Chapter had
ceased to exist.

This
chapter was constituted August 18, 1867.

At the
twentieth session of the General Grand Chapter, held September 18, 1868, the
General Grand Chapter adopted a report, which included “good faith” of the
petitioners, healing 61 those who had been exalted in the chapter, and
granting a Charter to Idaho Chapter, No. 1, Idaho City, on September 18, 1868.
The General Grand Chapter issued warrants to other chapters in Idaho, viz. :
February 14, 1870, a dispensation to Cyrus, No. 2, at Silver City, then in
Dakota; March 30, 1870, a dispensation to Boise, No. 3, at Boise City;
charters were issued to these two September 20, 1871. (1)

In the
proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for August 25, 1880, on petition of
Comp. C.P. Coburn and others of Lewiston, Nez Perce County, Idaho, a Charter
was granted, August 27, 1880, to Lewiston Chapter, No. 4. (2)

At the
twenty-sixth triennial, held October 1, 1886, Alturas Chapter, No. 5, at
Harley, Dak., was granted a Charter. (1)

Pocatello, No. 6, at Pocatello, received a dispensation dated May

(1)
“Pro. Gen. Gr. Ch. For 1871,” p. 33.

(2)
Ibid., p. 8t.

(3)
Ibid., p. 125

28,
1889, and a Charter November 22, 1889; Moscow Chapter, at Moscow, received a
Charter July 23, 1891; Fayette Chapter.

No.

8, at
Fayette, received a Charter August 24, 1894.

Illinois

The
Deputy General Grand High-Priest, Joseph K. Stapleton, gave a dispensation to
Springfield Chapter, in Springfield, July 19, 1841; (1) and at the eleventh
triennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1841, a
Charter was granted on the 17th. (2)

At the
twelfth triennial session, September 10, 1844, the Deputy General Grand
High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation for Lafayette Chapter, in
Chicago, dated July 2, 1844. (3)

At the
thirteenth triennial session, September 14, 1847, he reported having issued
litforens to Jacksonville Chapter, No.

3, at
Jacksonville and Shawneetown Chapter, No. 6, at Shawneetown, since the session
of 1844, and a Charter to Lafayette Chapter, in Chicago.

The
General Grand Scribe Ezra S. Barnum reported having issued dispensations on
March 10, 1846, to open Horeb Chapter, No. 4, at Henderson, and April 1, 1846,
to open Quincy Chapter, No. 5, at Quincy.

At the
fourteenth triennial session, September 10, 1850, several of the chapters
working under dispensations having applied for charters were refused because
they had failed to send up the records of their proceedings, and therefore the
committee was unable to say whether their doings had been regular or not.

Among
these were the chapters Reynolds, Stapleton, Springfield, and Quincy, and
recommended that their dispensations be continued in force until next
triennial meeting. (5)

At the
same session (fourteenth) the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported having
issued dispensations for the formation of Howard Chapter, on July 28, 1848,
and Stapleton Chapter, June 28, 1849.

The
General Grand King reported that since the last triennial he had granted a
dispensation to a chapter to be held in Cambridge in the County of Henry,
Ill., to be called Reynolds

(1)
“Compendium,” p. 110 (2) Ibid., p. 111.

(3)
Ibid., p. 122.

(4)
Ibid., p. 145.

(5)
Ibid., p. 201.

Chapter, No.-, (1) dated March 2, 1850.

The
General Grand Scribe reported that since the last triennial he had granted a
dispensation to open a chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Rock Island, Ill.,
August 1, 1849, (2) to be called Barrett.

At the
thirteenth triennial meeting the General Grand King reported that he had
granted authority to seven chapters in Illinois to organize a Grand Chapter.

April
10, 1850, a convention of the representatives of six of these chapters was
held, and having the authority of the General Grand King, a Grand Chapter for
the State of Illinois was organized.”

Indian
Territory.

A
convention of three chartered chapters, Indian, No. 1; Oklahoma, No. 2, and
Muskogee, No. 3, was held by their representatives, October 15, 1889;
organized and made application to the General Grand High-Priest for authority
to constitute a Grand Chapter for Indian Territory, which was refused.

Subsequently the succeeding General Grand High-Priest, David F.

Day,
at the general grand convocation, held at Atlanta, Ga., November 22, 1889,
granted their request, and on February 15, 1890, the Grand Chapter was
constitutionally instituted.

At the
second annual convocation, held at Oklahoma, August 20, 1891, seven chapters
were represented.

Indiana.

The
first record evidence of the establishment of Royal Arch Masonry in the State
of Indiana is found in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter at the
sixth meeting, held September 14, 1826, where under the report of a committee
on the papers and proceedings of the General Grand Officers they say : “That a
Charter had been granted to Vincennes Chapter, at Vincennes, State of Indiana,
on 13th May, 1820; to Jennings Mark Lodge, at Vevay, Indiana, on 4th
May, 1821, by the General Grand King, John Snow.” (4)

September 14, 1838, the committee on the doings of General Grand Officers
reported a dispensation having been granted by M.E.

Companion Stapleton for a chapter at Richmond, Ind., and recommended a Charter
for that chapter (September 14, 1838).

This

(1)
“Compendium,” p. 182.

(2)
Ibid., p. 184.

(3)
Ibid., p. 183.

(4)
Ibid., p. 73.

Chapter was named King Solomon.

At the
eleventh meeting, held September 14, 1841, the Committee on Warrants
recommended a Charter to be issued to Logan Chapter, Logansport; the
dispensation of this chapter was dated March 12, 1839.

At the
twelfth meeting, held September 10, 1844, the following statements were made
by the General Grand Secretary: (1) “By the records of the proceedings of the
General Grand Chapter in 1819, it appears that the Committee to whom was
referred the subject matter of dispensations granted by the General Grand
Officers during the previous recess had heard that the then late Deputy
General Grand High-Priest had granted dispensations for charters at Madison,
and at Brookville, in Indiana; but there being no further evidence of their
existence before the General Grand Chapter, no ratification of these acts was
passed, nor were their charters ordered; although several charters were at
that time ordered for other chapters holding dispensations under authority of
other General Grand Officers.

Consequently, Madison and Brookville Chapters ceased to exist as legally
constituted Masonic Bodies at that time.

It
appears, however, from the herewith accompanying papers, that Madison Chapter
continued its labors for many years; and there having been another chapter
established at Vincennes, in that State, in 1823, it is said a Grand Chapter
was organized with the approbation of M.E. Comp.

John
Snow, General Grand King. No documentary evidence of that authority, however,
or even records of the proceedings of that Grand Chapter are known to exist.

Nor
does it appear of record that the General Grand Chapter was ever advised of
the existence of such an institution.....”

On the
true position of these things being made known to the Companions at Madison,
in the proper spirit of Masonry they immediately suspended all work, closed
their chapter, and determined to lay their case before the General Grand
Chapter, which was done by their High-Priest, M.E. Joseph G. Norwood, in a
very frank, perspicuous, and able manner, presented amongst the documents,
accompanied by their dispensation, their return for 1842 to the present time
(September 10, 1844), and the payment of such dues as have accrued within that
time.

No
return had been made from 1819 to 1842.

Their
irregularities were evidently the result of mistakes as to the extent of power
given by their dispensation, and

(3)“Compendium,” p.
116.

They
asked that their acts may be made lawful by the General Grand Chapter and that
all dues up to 1842 be remitted, and asked for a Charter.(1) This was duly
granted, September 12, 1844, (2) and all dues remitted up to 1842.

The
past work was pronounced illegal, and authority was given to heal all who had
received degrees in it.

At the
twelfth meeting above mentioned (1844), the Deputy General Grand High-Priest
reported having issued a dispensation to Lafayette Chapter, No. 3, at
Lafayette, August 17, 1843 ; (3) a Charter was granted to this chapter,
September 11, 1844; at this meeting permission was granted by the General
Grand Chapter for a convention to assemble, dated November 18, 1845, and the
Grand Chapter of Indiana was duly constituted December 25, 1845.

Iowa.

At the
thirteenth ineedng of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1847, the
Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported that since the triennial session, in
1844, he had litfore the consecration, by proxy, of Iowa Chapter, at
Burlington, Ia., and also Iowa City Chapter, at Iowa City.

He had
also issued a dispensation to form Dubuque Chapter, No. 3, at Dubuque, Ia.(4)
Charter to the same was dated September 17, 1847.

Dispensation to Iowa Chapter, No. 1, was dated August 24, 1843.

(5)

Charter to the same was dated September 11, 1844.

Dispensation to Iowa City Chapter, No. 2, was dated March 19, 1844. (6)
Charter to the same was dated September 17, 1847.

At the
fifteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 17, 1853,
Washington Chapter, No. 4, at Muscatine, Ia., was chartered, dated September
17, 1853. (7)

A
dispensation had been issued to McCord Chapter, No. 5, at Fairfield, probably
in March, 1853.

The
Deputy General Grand High-Priest, Joseph K. Stapleton, having died very soon
thereafter, no report was made. (8) That chapter received a Charter from the
Grand Chapter of Iowa after it was constituted, dated June 14, 1854.

A
convention of the above-narmed chapters, by their delegates,

(1)
“Compendium,” p. 117.

(2)
Ibid., (3) Ibid., p. 121.

(4)
Ibid., p. 145.

(5)
Ibid., p. 121 (6) Ibid., p. 122.

(7)
Ibid., p. 259.

(8)
Proceedings, 1856, p. 361.

Was
held at Mount Pleasant, June 8, 1854, by the authority of the General Grand
Scribe, A.V. Rowe. (1)

The
history of Capitular Masonry in Iowa would not be completed were we to omit
one of those peculiar episodes which, with cyclonic force, carries away before
it all the valuable works of the good and great Masonic Architects, who have
labored so hard, and industriously, in the erection of Masonic temples, and
which we quote from Companion A.F. Chapman’s history of Capitular Masonry in
the History of Masonry and Concordant Orders:

“Within about two years after being organized, the usefulness of the General
Grand Chapter came under discussion.

The
Grand High Priests early gave emphasis to this negative feeling.

In
1857 the delegates to the next session of the General Grand Chapter were
instructed to vote for its dissolution.

This
was re-enforced in 1858.

The
Grand Chapter asserted its sovereignty and independent right to organize
chapters in Nebraska or elsewhere, where no Grand Chapter existed, and
finally, on August 16, 1860, the resolution declaring the

“’Grand Chapter sovereign and independent, and in no manner whatever subject
to the General Grand Chapter of the United States, and this Grand Chapter is
forever absolved from all connection therewith,’

was
passed by a vote of twenty-eight ayes to fifteen nays.

“This
condition continued for nine years, when, at the triennial convocation,
September, 1871, the General Grand High Priest reported that, under date of
October 26, 1869, he had ‘received official notice that the Grand Chapter of
Iowa had rescinded the act of secession passed in 1860, and had directed that
the O.’.B.’. of allegiance should be administered to all the members of
chapters in that jurisdiction, and that hereafter it would be administered to
candidates receiving the Royal Arch degree.’ (2)

“This
Grand Chapter has been represented in the General Grand Chapter since 1871.

“Robert Farmer Bower of Iowa Grand Chapter was chosen General Grand High
Priest in 1880, and died before his term was out.”

(1)
Proceedings, 1856, p. 376.

(2)
“History of Masonry,” p. 613.

Kansas.

The
first dispensation was issued to Leavenworth Chapter, No. 1, at Leavenworth,
January 24, 1857; to Washington Chapter, at Atchison, May 18, 1859. These two
dispensations were reported by the General Grand High-Priest at the
seventeenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September, 1859, and at
this meeting a Charter was granted to Washington Chapter, No. 2, September 14,
1859.

In the
proceedings of the special convocation of the General Grand Chapter called by
Comp. Albert G. Mackey, General Grand High-Priest, which assembled in
Columbus, O., September 7, 1865, Washington Chapter, No. 1, of Kansas is
reported present by Jacob Saqui, H.P. (1) At the triennial communication held
next day, September 8th, at the same place, the Deputy General
Grand High-Priest reported that he had renewed the dispensation of Leavenworth
Chapter in May, 1863. (2) On September 8, 1865, a Charter was granted, (3) and
also a Charter was granted to Fort Scott Chapter, the General Grand Secretary
having reported that a dispensation had been issued to the chapter. (4)

By
permission of the Deputy General Grand High-Priest a convention of the
delegates of the several chapters was held January, 1866, and on February 23,
1866, a Grand Royal Arch Chapter was duly organized and constituted.

Kentucky.

In the
proceedings of the General Grand Chapter at the fifth regular meeting,
September 9, 1819, the proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky were
presented and read, and a resolution was passed, viz. : “Whereas, It has been
communicated to the General Grand Chapter that several Warrants of
Constitution were granted since the last communication authorizing the opening
and holding of Royal Arch Chapters in Lexington, Frankfort, and Shelbyville,
in the State of Kentucky, by our late Most Excellent Companion, Thomas Smith
Webb, and that said Chapters having been constitutionally in operation for the
space of more than one year, did form themselves into a Grand Chapter for said
State

Under
the jurisdiction of this body, and have been regularly organized as such, by
M.E. Companions De Witt Clinton, General Grand High Priest, and Thomas Smith
Webb, late Deputy General Grand High Priest.

“Resolved, Therefore, that this General Grand Chapter approves and recognizes
the formation of said Grand Chapter for said State of Kentucky.”(1)

The
dispensations for the above-mentioned three chapters had been issued by
Companion Thomas Smith Webb, Deputy General Grand High-Priest, October 16,
1816.

In the
proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky will be found the correspondence
in reference to the formation and constituting of the Grand Chapter, and also
the recognition by the Deputy General Grand High-Priest, dated December 12,
1817, at Worthington, O., and by DeWitt Clinton, M. Ex. General Grand
High-Priest, December 30, 1817.

At the
annual convocation of the Grand Chapter, held in Lexington, September 5, 1825,
the Grand Chapter adopted certain resolutions, to petition the General Grand
Chapter, and to address letters to the other Grand Chapters on the propriety
of dissolving the General Grand Chapter. (2) The memorial was issued, and it
is found in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for the sixth
meeting, September 4, A.L. 5826. (3) This memorial was referred to an
appropriate committee, which reported, giving a statement as to how the
several Grand Chapters had acted upon the question showing, that “as a
majority of the Grand Chapters of the Several States dissented from the
resolution of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky, it is not expedient for the
General Grand Chapter to take any further measures on the subject.” This was
after some consideration referred to a committee of the whole.

That
committee after having deliberately considered and discussed the report, it
was agreed to report the same without amendment to the General Grand Chapter,
which body decided by a vote of yeas 47, noes 2, to agree to the report of the
committee. (4)

Very
properly, the Grand Chapter of Kentucky appeared to be contented with this
decision.

The
report of the General Grand Secretary at the triennial session,

(1)
“Compendium,” p. 52.

(2)
Ibid., p. 62.

(3)
Ibid., pp. 52-69.

(4)
Ibid., p. 71.

Proceedings, 1874, p. 17.

September, 1859, shows that the Grand Chapter of Kentucky had adopted
resolutions of withdrawal from the General Grand Body.

At the
twenty-second triennial convocation, held November 24, 1871 the General Grand
High-Priest, in his address, stated “That the Grand Chapter of Kentucky has
rescinded her resolutions of withdrawal and has renewed her allegiance.

Her
representatives are here with us,” etc.

She
has remained in true allegiance ever since.

Louisiana.

The
first reference we find in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter to
Royal Arch Masonry in Louisiana, is at the twelfth meeting, held September 10,
1844, wherein is a report on the appeal of C.D. Lehman, of New Orleans, from a
judgment of the so-called Grand Chapter of Louisiana.

Difficulties had occurred between the officers and members of Holland chapter,
No. 9, in New Orleans.

From
the documents presented the committee learned “that a Grand Chapter of
Louisiana was organized in 1813, by the ‘Royal Lodges’ Concordia and
Perseverance, and such Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of the State as
were Royal Arch Masons.” Note, these lodges were originally organized in the
Island of San Domingo, under charters from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,
with powers to confer all the degrees from Entered Apprentice to Royal Arch
inclusive.

When
the revolution occurred in San Domingo, many of the members of these lodges
made their escape and stopped for a while in Cuba, but finally settled in New
Orleans, and having retained their charters, resumed labor in that city. (1)

The
Grand Chapter formed in the manner above stated was attached to, and made
dependent on, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and the M.W. Grand Master of that
body was ex officio and by “inherent right” Grand High-Priest of the new Grand
Chapter.

The
question as to the legality of these proceedings had been foreclosed in 1829,
by the admission of a representative from the Grand Chapter of Louisiana, in
the person of Companion McConnell, on whose return to New Orleans the Grand
High-Priest, Companion John Holland, convened the officers and members of the

(3)Reprint of
Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter from 1798 to 1856, p. 194.

Grand
Chapter, who, by an official act, in regular assembly, enrolled themselves
under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, in the manner prescribed
by the 13th Section of the 4th Article of the General
Grand Constitution; of which act it notified all the subordinate chapters
under its jurisdiction, and directed similar action on their part, and
enjoined a strict observance of the provisions of the General Constitution.

From
1829 tO 1831 the Grand Chapter of Louisiana conducted all of her proceedings
in good faith and true allegiance to the General Grand Chapter.

From
1831 to April, 1839, there was no meeting.

The
subordinate chapters had ceased to exist, except Holland, No.

9,
which kept up its work until the revocation of its Charter in 1841. In that
year, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, by direction of the
Grand Master, issued notices to certain Royal Arch Masons in New Orleans, to
assemble and elect Grand Officers, with the intention of a reorganization of
the State Grand Chapter.

This
meeting did not occur; but another was soon thereafter called, and the
High-Priest and three other officers of Holland Chapter were notified.

The
usual Grand Officers were elected at this meeting, and the so-styled Grand
Chapter of Louisiana was organized.

From
the testimony submitted to the committee, it appeared that the High-Priest of
Holland Chapter, Compn. Henry, was not present at this election; nor could the
committee ascertain that there was any Companion present who was entitled to
vote in an election of Grand Officers.

Shortly after this, Compn. Henry was officially notified by the Grand
Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Louisiana of the organization of the Grand
Chapter, and requiring of Holland Chapter her dues and returns from 1832 to
1838 inclusive.

Holland Chapter protested against this demand and asked for evidence of the
legality of the organization of the Grand Body, which was refused, and Holland
Chapter declined to recognize its authority.

The
body, assuming to be the Grand Chapter, proceeded to revoke the Charter, and
to expel the High-Priest and Secretary of Holland Chapter.

The
Secretary, Compn. C.D. Lehman, made his appeal to the General Grand Chapter.

On
July 24, 1843, he served the reputed Grand Chapter with a notice of his
intention, and it was shown when this notice was served, the Grand High-Priest
of the Grand Chapter, in his place, and in open chapter declared “that he did
not acknowledge any other body, and was independent of the General Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of the United States.”

From
the above statement it would appear that the Grand Royal Arch Chapter,
organized in 1813, voluntarily surrendered its independent jurisdiction and
enrolled itself under the General Grand Chapter, which body continued until
1831, and having ceased her operations by not meeting and electing officers,
as required by the General Grand Constitution, it ceased to exist.

All
the existing subordinate chapters came immediately under the jurisdiction of
the General Grand Chapter, which alone had legal authority over the
jurisdiction thus vacated, as by Article 2, Section 2, of the General Grand
Constitution.

The
deceased Grand Chapter could only be revived by Article 2, Section 9.

The
committee recommended and which was unanimously adopted: That Holland Chapter,
No. 9, be directed to resume its labors under the direction of its former
officers and members, with power to fill existing vacancies, and that it be
required to make its annual returns, and settle its dues with the General
Grand Secretary. (1)

In the
proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for 1847 we find in a report on
Holland Chapter, No. 9, “that the Charter of said Chapter has been either lost
or stolen; and that the dispensation under which it has been working for the
past year expires by the terms of its own limitation with the present session
of this General Grand Chapter.

They
therefore respectfully recommend that the General Grand Secretary be
authorized to execute a new Charter, to take the place of that which has been
lost, etc., which was accepted.” (2)

The
General Grand Chapter at this session “Resolved, That there is not at this
time any constitutional and legally authorized Grand Royal Arch Chapter in the
State of Louisiana.

“Resolved, That the Association holding its meetings in the City of New
Orleans, and assuming to exercise the functions and authority of a Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons is an irregular and unauthorized Masonic body;
and it is hereby disowned and repudiated as spurious, clandestine, and
illegal.”

Masonic intercourse, public and private, was interdicted, and

(1)
Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter from 1798 to 1856, pp. 193-195.

(2)
Ibid., pp. 218, 219.

Due
notice of these resolutions was to be forwarded to the acting Secretary of
said body by the General Grand Secretary. (1)

The
Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported at this session, September 14, 1847,
that since the session of 1844 he had issued dispensations to the following
bodies in Louisiana: New Era, No.

2; Red
River, No. 3; East Feliciana, (2) No. 4. No dates given.

He had
also issued a dispensation to Holland Chapter, No. 1, at New Orleans, to
continue work until the present session, (3) April 7, 1845, and a new Charter
recommended, which was done as above stated.

When
the Charter to East Feliciana, No. 4, was granted, by request of the chapter
the name and place were changed to Clinton, to be located at Clinton.

At the
same time charters were granted to New Era, No. 2, at New Orleans; Red River,
No. 3, at Shreveport; viz. : September 15, 1847.

At the
fourteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, September 10, 1850, a
committee reported that “ on the personal knowledge of one of their own
members who represents that State (Louisiana) in this Body, that those
difficulties are now adjusted, and that the different Grand Bodies of that
State, in all degrees of Masonry, are now united as one in that harmony
without which our Order can not exist.” (5)

At
this session (1850) the General Grand King reported “that he had litfore
Holland Chapter, No 1; New Era Chapter, No. 2; Red River Chapter, No. 3, and
Clinton Chapter, No. 4, in the State of Louisiana, to organize and establish a
Grand Chapter for that State; which they did in the City of New Orleans, on 1st
day of May, 1848.” (6)

Maine

As the
territory, occupied by Maine was a part of Massachusetts until it was made a
State in 1820, the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts granted a Warrant of
Constitution to organize a chapter in Portland, Me., February 13, 1805.

The
same Grand Chapter issued dispensations, December 17, 1819, to Montgomery, at
Bath, and to New Jerusalem, at Wiscasset; on December 29, 1819, to Jerusalem
Chapter, in Hollowell.

19,
and 21, 1820, which was reported by him to James Prescott, Grand High-Priest.

These
three chapters, with Mt. Vernon Chapter, of Portland, met in convention in
Portland, 1820, and adopted the constitution of the Grand Chapter of
Massachusetts provisionally, and the Grand Chapter Officers were chosen and
organized and constituted the Grand Chapter of Maine. (1)

The
first reference to Royal Masonry in Maine by the General Grand Chapter is
found in the proceedings for the triennial meeting, September 15, 1826, (2)
when the committee reported the legal constitution of the Grand Chapter, and
by resolution adopted, that Grand Chapter was recognized and received under
the authority and sanction of the General Grand Chapter.

This
Grand Chapter had the honor of having two of her Members selected as General
Grand Officers in the General Grand Chapter of the United States, viz. :
Robert P. Dunlap, General Grand High-Priest for three terms, in 1847, 1850,
and 1853; and Josiah H. Drummond, General Grand High-Priest in 1871.

Maryland.

A
circular letter from Concordia Chapter in Baltimore was issued to all the
chapters in Baltimore and the “Encampment of Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal
Arch” (In the District of Columbia), inviting them to send representatives to
a convention to be held in the city of Washington, January 21, 1807, to take
into consideration the propriety of forming a Grand Chapter for the State of
Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Those
chapters in Baltimore which met in this convention were Washington, Concordia,
and St. John’s.

We
find from Compn. Edward T. Schultz’s History of Capitular Masonry in Maryland
that “Undoubtedly [Washington Chapter] was the Royal Arch Chapter of
Jerusalem, instituted in 1787 by virtue of the dispensation or warrant of
Lodge No. 7, Royal Arch Chapter of Jerusalem, at Chestertown, and was attached
to Lodge No. 15, now Washington Lodge, No. 3.” This chapter finally was merged
with Concordia in 1822.

(1)
“History of Masonry and Concordant Orders,” p. 616.

(2)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1826, p. 82.

Companion Schultz informs us: (1) “It is probable that Royal Arch Chapters
were attached to most of the active Lodges in the State.

Hiram
Lodge, No. 27, at Port Tobacco, as we have seen, resolved to open a ‘Royal
Arch Chapter.’ There is evidence to show that more than one dispensation was
granted in the year 1797.

Brother David Kerr was at the time Grand Master, and by virtue of the power
and control of the Royal Arch Degree, believed to be inherent in Grand
Masters, issued his dispensations for the formation of these several Chapters
which then, in connection with the Chapter attached to Washington Lodge,
formed, June 24, 1897, the first Independent Grand Chapter in the United
States.

The
Grand Chapter claimed to have been organized in 1796 in Pennsylvania, was an
appendage to the Grand Lodge of that State, and did not become independent
until the year 1824.”

In the
above statement of Companion Schultz we heartily concur.

The
Grand Chapter of 1797 in Maryland became dormant in 1803, and was revived in
1807, according to documents shown in Companion Schultz’s history. (2)

A
Grand Royal Arch Convention was held by the H. Royal Arch Chapters in the
State of Maryland and District of Columbia in the city of Washington on
January 21, 1807. Washington, Concordia, and St John’s chapters of Baltimore,
Federal and Washington Naval of Washington City and Potomac Chapter of
Georgetown of the District of Columbia were present by their representatives.

This
Convention resolved unanimously to organize a Grand Chapter for the State of
Maryland and the District of Columbia.

They
elected the Grand Officers, and opened the Grand Chapter in ample form. A
committee was appointed to frame a constitution, which reported, and their
report was unanimously adopted.

The
degrees recognized by this Grand Chapter were Mark Master, Past Master, Most
Excellent Master, and Royal Arch.

We
make the following extract from Companion Schultz’s Freemasonry in Maryland:
(3)

“Since
the finding of these books (old Records), documents have been brought to
light, which in connection with them throw much light upon the early history
of the Grand R.A. Chapter of Maryland, and the District of Columbia, which as
it will be seen

(1)
History of Capitular Masonry in Maryland,” pp. 321, 322, 323.

(2)
Ibid.

(3)
Vol. i., pp. 317, 318.

Was
the title of the body subsequently formed by the representatives of the
chapters in Baltimore and Washington.”

The
great care, diligence, and indefatigable zeal of Companion Schultz manifested
in his history, deserve especial mention by all succeeding historians of
Masonry, for his valuable additions to the ancient history of Masonry in
Maryland in all the branches – and we continue our extracts:

“Some
months since we learned that the Masonic papers of Philip P. Eckel, which were
supposed to have been lost or entirely destroyed, were in the possession of
his granddaughter, Mrs.

David
J. Bishop, living in this city (Baltimore), and who has since most kindly
placed them at our disposal. These papers were found to be of great interest
as they disclosed the existence of Masonic bodies held in Baltimore prior to
the year 1800, that were not previously known or mentioned by any Masonic
writer.”

Brother Eckel was perhaps the most active and zealous Mason that ever lived in
this jurisdiction; there is scarcely a record or document existing in this
State, from about 1792 to 1828, that does not mention his name in some
capacity.

Mackey
says: “He was one of the most distinguished and enlightened Masons of his
day;” and we add to this that he was evidently an “Inspector General” of the
A.’. A.’. S.’. Rite.

Companion Schultz furnishes facsimile copies of several of the documents
referred to, and to prove that a Grand Chapter existed in Baltimore is such a
copy of a “dispensation” from David Kerr, Grand High-Priest, to Philip P.

Eckel
as High-Priest, to assemble a sufficient number of Companions to open and hold
a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, etc., in Baltimore, which was to continue in
force until June 20, 1797.

This
dispensation is dated May 8, 1797.

No
further records or documents of any description have been discovered in
reference to the Grand Chapter organized in 1807, and the reorganization which
occurred in the year 1814.

On May
9th of that year delegates from Chapters Nos. 1, 2, and 3 met in
the city of Baltimore, when a constitution for the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
the State of Maryland and District of Columbia was adopted and Grand Officers
elected. (1)

This
Grand Chapter continued with above title until the withdrawal of the chapters
located in the District of Columbia, except

(3)Schultz’s
“History of Maryland,” vol. i., p. 325.

FIRST VIEW OF JERUSALEM BY
THE CRUSADERS

Potomac, No. 8, at Georgetown, which elected to remain under the jurisdiction
of Maryland.

This
severance was done by the authority of the General Grand Chapter, August 30,
1822. (1)

After
this the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia ceased to exist, the
chapters in Washington City and Alexandria had no Grand Head until 1841, when
steps were taken to place the chapters in the District of Columbia under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Maryland. (2) This condition continued
until May 7, 1867, when the three chapters in the District of Columbia which
were under the jurisdiction of Maryland and District of Columbia, viz. :
Columbia, Washington, and Mount Vernon, were duly organized, and constituted
the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia.

That
this was regularly and lawfully accomplished, we refer to the proceedings of
the General Grand Chapter for 1865.

The
following was referred to a committee:

“Resolved, That the Royal Arch Chapters in the District of Columbia or any
three of them, are hereby authorized to establish a Grand Chapter for the
District of Columbia; and whenever such Grand Chapter shall be organized, the
jurisdiction now exercised over the chapters taking part in the same, by the
Grand Chapter of Maryland, shall cease.” (3) That committee reported in 1868,
and the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia was sustained.

Massachusetts.

The
Royal Arch Chapter of St. Andrew’s was one of the three original chapters
which met in convention in Boston, October 24, 1797, and issued the
“Circular,” which invited the assembling of a convention in Hartford, Ct.,
January 24, 1798, “to form and open a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and
to establish a Constitution for the government and regulation of all the
chapters that now are or may be hereafter erected within the said States.” (4)

The
first notice of conferring the Royal Arch degree which we find was August 28,
1769, in St Andrew’s Chapter, called “Royal Arch Lodge,” under the sanction of
St. Andrew’s Lodge Charter, No. 82, under the Registry of Scotland.

From
August 12, 1769, until 1788, the title “Royal Arch Master” was employed.

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1826, P. 77.

(2)
Ibid., 1841, p. 161; 1842, p. 181.

(3)
Ibid., i865, P. 31.

(4)
“Compendium,” p. 7.

Michigan

At the
fifth regular meeting, of the General Grand Chapter, held September 9, 1819,
the committee reported that the General Grand High-Priest had granted a
dispensation to Monroe Chapter, No. 1, at Detroit, December 3, 1818. (1)

At the
twelfth meeting of the General Grand Chapter a dispensation was reported as
having been granted, by the Dep.

General Grand High-Priest, May 16, 1844, to St Joseph’s Valley Chapter, No. 2,
at Niles. (2) Also the same officer reported, at the thirteenth meeting, held
September 14, 1847, that a dispensation had been granted (without date) to
Jackson Chapter, No. 3, in Jackson. (3)

A
Charter was granted to Monroe Chapter, No. 1, September 11, 1819; (4) and at
the litfo of September 14, 1847, a Charter was granted to St. Joseph’s Valley,
No. 2; (5) and September 16, 1847, to Jackson Chapter, No. 3, (6) by vote of
the General Grand Chapter.

The
General Grand Scribe, in January, 1848, (7) authorized the chapters in
Michigan to meet and organize a Grand Chapter for the State.

Minnesota.

The
first notice of Royal Arch Masonry, in the proceedings of the General Grand
Chapter, we find at the fifteenth meeting, held September 17, 1853, when the
committee reported that “a number of companions at St. Paul, Minn., have
petitioned the General Grand King for a dispensation,” and recommended a
dispensation to be issued by the present Deputy General Grand High-Priest. (8)

At the
triennial session, September 11, 1856, a Charter was granted. (9)
Dispensations were issued by the General Grand High- Priest to the following
chapters: Vermillion, No. 2, in Hastings, June 20, 1857; St. Anthony Falls,
No. 3, in St. Anthony, January 5, 1858.

On
September 14, 1859, charters were granted to these.

A
convention was held, by authority of Compn. Albert G. Mackey, General Grand
High-Priest, dated December 1, 1859, in St. Paul, December 17, 1859, a
constitution was adopted and the Grand Chapter of Minesota was regularly
organized.

(1)
“Compendium,” p. 60.

(2)
Ibid., p. 182.

(3)
Ibid., p. 209.

(4)
Ibid., p. 60.

(5)
Ibid., p. 209.

(6)
Ibid., p. 225.

(7)
Ibid., p. 254.

(8)
Proceedings, 1853, p. 320.

(90
Ibid., 1856, p. 373.

Mississipi

At the
sixth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1826, the
General Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation to a chapter
at Port Gibson, Miss.

On the
15th at the same meeting, a Charter was granted. (1)

September 14, 1841, it was reported that a dispensation was issued to
Vicksburg Chapter, June 17, 1840; and a Charter was granted September 17,
1841.

At the
twelfth session, September 10, 1844, (2) the Deputy General Grand High-Priest
reported having issued dispensations to chapters in Mississippi as follows,
viz. : to Columbus Chapter, February 7, 1842; and to Jackson, August 28, 1843.

The
General Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation to a chapter
at Holly Springs, October 30, 1841. (3) At the thirteenth session, September
14, 1847, the General Deputy Grand High-Priest reported that he had authorized
the consecration of three chapters in Mississippi since the session of 1844,
for which charters had been ordered at that time, viz. : Columbus Chapter, at
Columbus; Jackson Chapter, at Jackson; and Wilson Chapter, at Holly Springs.
(4) He also reported having issued two dispensations to organize chapters:
Carrollton Chapter, No. 7, at Carrollton; and Yazoo Chapter, No.

8, in
Yazoo County. (5)

In
compliance with a petition from the chapters in Mississippi, the General
Deputy Grand High-Priest reported that, March 12, 1846, he had granted
permission for those chapters to form a Grand Chapter for that State; and he
had been officially notified that the Grand Chapter had been duly organized,
May 18, 1846. (6)

Missouri

At the
regular meeting of the General Grand Chapter (September 11, 1819) it was
reported that the Grand High-Priest had granted a dispensation to form a
chapter in Missouri Territory, at St.

Louis,
on April 3, 1819, (7) and a Warrant was granted, September 16, 1826, (8) at
the sixth meeting.

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1798-1856, p. 89.

(2)
Ibid., p. 163.

(3)
Ibid., P. 78.

(4)
Ibid., p. 209.

(5)
Ibid., p. 209.

(6)
Ibid., p. 210.

(7)
Ibid., p. 56.

(8)
Ibid., p. 83

At the
tenth meeting, September 14, 1838, the General Grand Scribe reported that a
dispensation had been issued for a Charter to Palmyra Chapter, No. 2 (1) (no
date given).

The
committee recommended a Charter to be issued whenever the provisions of the
constitution should have been complied with.

A
Charter, however, was not given by the General Grand Chapter, but after the
formation of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, it was given October 16, 1847.

At the
twelfth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 10, 1844, (2) the
Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported having issued dispensations to
Liberty Chapter, No. 3, at Liberty, February 7, 1842; one to Weston Chapter,
No. 4, at Weston, January 17, 1843; and one to Booneville Chapter, No. 6, at
Booneville, March 3, 1843; one to La Fayette Chapter, No. 5, September 11,
1844. Charters were ordered to all chapters reported by the committee, viz.:
Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6. (3)

At the
thirteenth meeting, held September 14, 1847, it was reported by the Deputy
General Grand High-Priest that since the session of 1844 he had issued a
dispensation to consecrate Booneville Chapter, No. 6, and he had issued
dispensations to organize St. Louis Chapter, No. 8, at St. Louis, and Hannibal
Chapter, No. 7, at Hannibal, No. On September 17, 1847, charters were ordered
to be issued to Hannibal, No. 7, and St. Louis, No.

8. (4)

The
convention to organize a Grand Chapter for the State of Missouri met in St.
Louis, October 16, 1846, and the delegates of Chapters Nos. 1. 2, 5, and 6
were present, and did organize the Grand Chapter.

In the
report of the General Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter, at the
thirteenth meeting, held September 14, 1847, he states :

“In
the month of November, 1846, I received notice of the formation of a Grand
Chapter for the State of Missouri, purporting to be by authority from the
General Grand Officers.

This,
however, was an error; and on being informed by me that there had been no such
authority given, it is believed no further proceedings have been had in the
matter.” (5)

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1798-1856, p. 153.

(2)
Ibid., p. 181.

(3)
Ibid., p. 185.

(4)
Ibid., p. 232.

(5)
Ibid., p. 206.

We
find the following minute in the proceedings of that day “To the General Grand
Chapter:

“The
Committee to whom was referred the action of the Grand Chapter of Missouri,
have had the same under consideration, and respectfully report

“That
the Grand Chapter of Missouri was formed, as we think, by the Chapters thereof
in good faith, believing that they were fully authorized to do so, from
conversations and correspondence with the Comp. General Grand Secretary.

Your
Committee, however, believe that this organization was not strictly in
conformity with the Constitution of this General Grand Chapter; therefore,

“Resolved, That all irregularities be removed, and that said Grand Chapter of
Missouri be fully recognized, and that its representatives be invited to seats
in this General Grand Chapter.” (1)

Compn.
J.W.S. Mitchell, of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, offered the following:

“Resolved, That the Chapters working by dispensation under this jurisdiction
in Missouri be, and they are, required to pay dues to this General Grand
Chapter up to the period when a Grand Chapter was organized in the said State
of Missouri, viz. : October, 1846,” (2) which was adopted.

Montana.

The
organization of the Grand Chapter of Montana, at Helena, June 25, 1891, was
consummated in accordance with a call of the chapters and a Warrant which had
been issued by the General Grand High-Priest, Companion David F. Day.

The
chapters constituting the Grand Chapter were:

Dispensation

Charter Virginia City, No. 1, at Virginia City,

July
14, 1866 December 18, 1868 Helena, No. 2, at Helena,

December, 1867 December 18, 1868 Deer Lodge, No. 3, at Butte City,

October 10, 1874 November 25, 1874 Valley, No. 4, at Deer City,

July
22, 1880

August
27, 1880 Yellow Stone, No. 5, at Miles City,

January 2, 1886

October 1, 1886 Billings, No. 6, at Billings,

May 6,
1886

October 1, 1886 Livingston, No. 7, at Livingston,

July
15, 1886

October 1, 1886 Dillon, No. 8, at Dillon,

January 15, 1887 November 22, 1889 Great Falls, No. 9, at Great Falls,

At the
triennial communication of the General Grand Chapter, held September 8, 1865,
the General Grand King reported:

“On
the 21st day of November, 1859, I granted to sundry Companions at
the City of Omaha, in Nebraska Territory, a dispensation to form and open a
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at that place, to be called Omaha Chapter, No.
1.” He also reported having issued a dispensation, January 25, 1860, to
Keystone Chapter, No. 2, at Nebraska City.

Also
that on July 13, 1864, a dispensation had been granted to Nebraska Chapter,
No. 3, at Plattsmouth. (1) On the same day (September 8, 1865) charters were
granted to all three of the above chapters. (2)

By
permission of the Deputy General Grand High-Priest a convention was held,
March 19, 1867, and the Grand Chapter of Nebraska was regularly organized.

Nevada.

At the
triennial of the General Grand Chapter, held September 8, 1865, the General
Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation, in May, 1863, to
“Lewis Chapter,” at Carson City, Nevada, which name was a compliment to
himself (3) (John L.

Lewis).

This
chapter received the Charter, dated September 8, 1865. (4) A dispensation was
issued to Virginia Chapter, at Virginia City. (5) From the report, in the
proceedings, it is very uncertain when the dispensation was issued.

The
Charter was ordered September 18, 1868.

A
dispensation was granted to Austin Chapter, at Austin, October, 1866, and a
Charter, September 18, 1868.

A
dispensation was issued to White Pine Chapter, at Hamilton, January 10, 1871;
and a Charter, September 20, 1871.

(6)

A
convenion of these four chapters was held by authority of the General Grand
High-Priest, November 18, 1873.

From
the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for November 21, 1874, we see in
the report of the General Grand Secretary that a dispensation had been issued
to St. John’s Chapter, at Eureka, April 26, 1873; and also to Keystone
Chapter, at Pioche,

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1865, P. 25.

(2)
Ibid., p. 31.

(3)
Ibid., p. 23.

(4)
Ibid., p. 31.

(5)
Ibid., p. 23.

(6)
Ibid., 1871, p. 33.

June
12, 1873. (1) The General Grand Secretary says: “The Chapters organized U.’.
D.’.in Nevada, made returns and paid dues to date of the organization of the
Grand Chapter of Nevada, of which they became components, in accordance with a
custom hitherto approved by the General Grand Chapter.” (2)

New
Hampshire.

In the
session of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, held June 6, 1816,
we find that the General Grand King reported that he had granted warrants or
charters for St. Andrew’s Chapter at Hanover, January 27, 1817; Trinity
Chapel, at Hopkinton, February 16, 1807; Washington Chapter, in Portsmouth,
November, 1815; Cheshire Chapter, at Keene, May 4, 1816; (2) and at this
session the warrants were confirmed June 7, 1816. (4)

The
Grand Chapter of New Hampshire was organized on June 10, 1819,

and
the General Grand Chapter was duly notified by John Harris, of New Hampshire,
August 21, 1819, and the Grand Chapter was recognized by the General Grand
Chapter at the session held September 9, 1819. (5) The General Grand
High-Priest issued a Warrant to Union Mark Lodge, No. 1, in Claremont, July 3,
1818 (6) which subsequently passed under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter
of New Hampshire.

New
Jersey.

The
first official notice we find of the introduction of capitular Masonry in New
Jersey, is in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for June 6, 1816.

At the
triennial meeting, held September 16, 1826, the report of the General Grand
High-Priest stated that a dispensation had been granted by him to Franklin
Chapter, No. 3, and a Charter was granted. (8)

(3)
There were no meetings of General Grand Chapter between 1806 and 1816.

(4)
“Compendium,” fifth meeting of General Grand Chapter of United States, p. 56.

(5)
Ibid., p. 55.

(6)
Ibid., p. 60.

(7)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter for 1797 to 1856, p. 45.

(8)
Ibid., p. 78.

A
special committee reported September 10th that a Charter had been
granted to the State of New jersey, enabling the respective chapters therein
to form and hold a Grand Chapter in the said State, by the Most Excellent
General Grand High-Priest. (1)

At the
triennial session, September 10, 1819, a communication from a Companion from
the State of New jersey on the subject of forming a Grand Chapter being
referred to a committee, they repored, that it appears that there are two
chapters in the State of New Jersey under the jurisdiction of the General
Grand Chapter, and one under the authority of the State of Pennsylvania, which
does not acknowledge the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter.

The
committee were of the opinion that a Grand Chapter could not be formed until
there were three chapters acknowledging the jurisdiction of the General Grand
Chapter, which was accepted by that body. (2)

A
dispensation was granted, September 23, 1854, to Enterprise Chapter, No. 2, at
Jersey City, (3) and which was reported at the triennial meeting, September 9,
1856, and February 23, 1856, a dispensation was issued by the General Grand
High-Priest to Boudinot Chapter, No. 5, at Burlington.

It was
reported by the committee:

“Union
Chapter, No. 1, Newark, is the only regularly Chartered Chapter now
immediately subordinate to this General Grand Chapter.

The
following chapters have been working under dispensations from the General
Grand Officers from the dates of their dispensations to this time, viz. :
Enterprise, No. 2, jersey City; and Boudinot, No. 5, Burlington. (5) Hiram
Chapter, No. 4, Eatontown, having been recognized by the General Grand
High-Priest as heretofore stated, now stands a regular subordinate on the
register of this General Grand Chapter.” (6)

We
find nothing said subsequently of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey.

A
resolution was adopted in the General Grand Chapter at its session, September
17, 1841, that Hiram Chapter at Trenton be advised to place itself under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York, and that said
Grand Chapter be advised to legalize the proceedings of Hiram Chapter
subsequent to the dissolution of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey. (7)

(1)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, pp. 77, 82.

(2)
Ibid., p. 54.

(3)
Ibid., p. 364.

(4)
Ibid., p. 365.

(5)
Ibid., p. 365.

(6)
Ibid., p. 365.

(7)
Ibid., p. 168.

The
Deputy General Grand High-Priest issued a dispensation to Union Chapter, No.
1, for Newark, March 13, 1848, and reported the same at the triennial held
September 10, 1850, and also to Newark Chapter, No. 2, March 20, 1848 both of
these had charters granted September 12, 1850. (2)

The
General Grand Secretary reported at the session held September 13, 1853, viz-
: “On the 23d of litfor I received from the Deputy General Grand High-Priest a
letter from the High- Priest of Newark Chapter, stating the loss of the
Charter of said Chapter; which letter was endorsed by Comp. Stapleton,
advising the issuing of a dispensation enabling the Chapter to continue its
work; which dispensation was issued by the General Grand High-Priest.” (3)

It
appears, however, that subsequently, September 17, 1853, Newark, No. 2 was
merged into Union Chapter.

The
peculiar condition of Royal Arch Masonyy in New jersey continued for some
considerable length of time, and was not satisfactorily settled until the
organization of the Grand Chapter, February 13, 1857.

Hiram
Chapter, which, as above shown, was transferred to the jurisdiction of New
York Grand Chapter, by the resolution of the General Grand Chapter, September
17, 1841, again desired to be under the jurisdiction of the General Grand
Chapter; and in July, 1853, requested of the Grand Chapter of New York to be
transferred thereto.

At the
triennial of the General Grand Chapter, the report of the General Grand
Secretary shows: “Upon examining the papers which came into my possession at
our last triennial meeting, after the adjournment, I found among them a
petition from the officers and members of Hiram Chapter, No. 4, Eatontown, New
Jersey, directed to the General Grand Chapter, dated February 3, 1852, setting
forth that, that Chapter was, many years before, chartered by the Grand
Chapter of New Jersey, and continued to work under said Charter, so long as
that Grand Chapter was in existence.

That
it was then ‘taken under the fostering care of the Grand Chapter of New York,
to which it had ever since been subservient,’ and praying to be acknowledged
and registered as one of the subordinates of this General Grand Chapter.

To the

(1)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, p. 250.

(2)
Ibid., p. 257.

(3)
Ibid., p. 293.

Petition was appended full power from the Grand Chapter of New York to the
petitioner to transfer their allegiance from the Grand Chapter of New York to
this General Grand Chapter.

That
petition seems, from the endorsement upon it, in the hand writing of Compn.
Swigert, who acted as my assistant, to have been referred to the Committee on
Chapters and Dispensations. It is not mentioned in the proceedings.” (1) A
correspondence ensued between the High-Priest of Hiram Chapter and the General
Grand High-Priest Hon. R.P. Dunlap, who finally directed the General Grand
Secretary to register Hiram Chapter on the roll of chapters subordinate to the
General Grand Chapter, which was done November 14, 1854, and the High-Priest
George Finch was duly notified thereof, and thereafter the returns were
regularly made as a subordinate chapter to the General Grand Body. (2) A
Charter was ordered for Hiram Chapter, September 11, 1856. (3)

The
following chapters applied to the General Grand High-Priest for his consent to
organize a Grand Chapter, viz. : Newark Chapter, No. 2; Hiram Chapter, No. 4,
and Boudinot Chapter, No.

5.
This approval was dated January 24, 1857, and the Grand Chapter was regularly
organized February 13, 1857.

New
York.

It is
very well settled that the Royal Arch degree was conferred in that
jurisdiction under lodge charters, as it was elsewhere in the colonies, and
prior to the formation of the Grand Chapter for the New England States and New
York in 1798.

A
Warrant was issued by the Duke of Athol, September 5, 1781, making Rev.
William Walter the Provincial Grand Master, authorizing him to form a
Provincial Grand Lodge in the city of New York.

The
first meeting of this provincial body was held December 5, 1782.

At
that date nine lodges existed in the city, and there were six military lodges
of the British Army.

It is
supposed by some writers, and probably it was correct, that Washington
Chapter, of New York, styled the “Mother Chapter,” originated in the
above-mentioned Provincial Grand Lodge.

The
early records of Washington Chapter were destroyed by fire in New York,
consequently

(1)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter for 1797 to 1856, p.

361.

(2)
Ibid., 1856, p. 361.

(3)
Ibid., 1856, p. 373.

Its
origin is unknown.

It,
however, granted warrants for other chapters through a nurnber of years, Hiram
Chapter in Newtown, Ct., dated April 29, 1791, being the first one now known.

The
following chapters assembled in convention in Albany, March 14, 1798, and
organized and established a Deputy Grand Chapter subordinate to the Grand
Chapter of the Northern States for the State of New York, viz. : Hudson, of
Hudson, instituted in 1796; Temple, of Albany, instituted February 14, 1799;
Horeb, of Whitestown; Hibernian, of New York City; and Montgomery, of
Stillwater; dates of these three not known. Comp. Thomas Frothingham was
elected Chairman and Comp. Sebastian Vischer, Secretary.

The
constitution was read by Compn. Thomas Smith Webb, and Compn. De Witt Clinton
was elected Deputy Grand High-Priest; John Hammer, Dep. Grand Secretary.

From
the first, warrants were issued to organize Mark lodges and chapters, and
prosperity attended the Royal Craft.

Thirty-three chapters and three Mark lodges were represented in the Grand
Chapter in 1820.

The
chapters increased to fifty-three in 1829, and sixty-one were represented in
1853;

while
in 1839 and 1840, following the Morgan affair, about thirteen only were
reported.

As New
York is the most populous State in the Union, so also does Masonry take the
lead as to numbers in all the branches in Masonry.

The
General Grand Chapter met in the city of New York in 1816, 1819, 1826, 1829,
and 1841. DeWitt Clinton served as General Grand High-Priest from 1816 to
1826; Edward Livingston, 1829 to 1835; John L. Lewis in 1865, and James M.
Austin in 1868.

At the
meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Northern States, held January 10, 1799,
Section 1 of Article 1. of the Constitution was changed, and that body assumed
the title of General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the six Northern
States of America enumerated in the preamble. (1) The State organizations
were, by Article II, Section I, required to drop the prefix Deputy,” and were
designated as “Grand Chapters.”

(3)Proceedings of
General Grand Chapter, 1797 to 1856, p. 19, and at p. 10 at session, January
26, 1798.

The
six are enumerated in the preamble and New York is also added.

North
Carolina.

At the
thirteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, held
September 14, 1847, in the city of Columbus, O., we find the following report
of the General Grand Secretary, viz. :

“In
the State of North Carolina there is no Grand Chapter.

The
time was when such an institution existed there as a constituent of the
General Grand Chapter; but it is believed that it ceased to exist about twenty
years ago.

There
are said to be Chapters at Halifax, Tarborough, Fayetteville, and Wilmington;
but they are not in correspondence with the General Grand Chapter, although
some of them, if not all, were instituted under its immediate jurisdiction.”

“Note.
– Since the foregoing was written I have received a printed copy of the
Minutes of a Convention of delegates from the several chapters, by which it
appears a Grand Chapter has been reorganized for the State of North Carolina.

Whether this organization be in strict compliance with the Constitution or
not, there can be no doubt it was the intention of the chapters so to do, as
the whole proceeding seems to be with a view of regaining their former
position in the Confederation.”

We
have carefully referred to the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter, from
the thirteenth meeting in 1847 back to the commencement of 1797, and find that
the first notice of a chapter in North Carolina was at the fourth meeting,
June 6, 1816, being a special in consequence of a lapse in 1813, reported when
a Charter was to have been issued to Concord Chapter, at Wilmington, May 4,
1815, by the General Grand King.

He had
also issued a Charter to Phoenix Chapter, at Fayetteville, September 1, 1815.
(1)

We
found also that at the sixth meeting, held September 14, 1826, (2) the Deputy
General Grand High-Priest, Compn. Fowle, had granted a Warrant to Wadesborough
Chapter, at Wadesborough, in 1822 (no date given).

At
this meeting there was no delegate present from North Carolina.

When
the “Memorial” of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky was presented to the General
Grand Chapter

(1)
“Compendium,” p. 46.

(2)
Ibid., p. 72.

At its
sixth meeting, September 14, 1826, asking for a dissolution of the latter
body, it was referred to a committee, and at the same meeting the committee
reported the answers of all the Grand Chapters, and North Carolina is stated
as concurring with the Kentucky Grand Chapter’s resolution. (1) At the meeting
of the General Grand Chapter (September 14, 1847) above referred to, the
matter concerning a Grand Chapter in North Carolina being referred to a
committee, the following report was made:

“That
they have had the same under consideration and find their proceedings to be
regular.

They
assembled as appears by their printed proceedings, on the 28th of
June, 1847; three chapters were represented; they proceeded to elect Officers
and adopt a Constitution; in which, however, your committee would remark there
appear to be several unconstitutional articles or sections, and we would
respectfully recommend that the Grand Chapter of North Carolina be recognized
as a legal Grand Chapter on their altering and amending their constitution to
conform to that of this General Grand Chapter in the following particulars
noted by your committee (2) (omitted).

Which
recommendation was adopted.” So that the Grand Chapter of North Carolina was
legally authorized September 16, 1847.

At the
fourteenth triennial session, September 15, 1850, Companion L.L. Stephenson
was present as proxy, for the Grand High-Priest. (3)

North
Dakota.

After
the chapters located in South Dakota, by consent of the Grand Chapter of
Dakota, on January 6, 1890, had organized their Grand Chapter, on January 9th
following, the representatives of Missouri, No. 6, at Bismarck; Casselton, No.
7, at Casselton; Cheyenne, No. 9, at Valley City; Keystone, No. 11, at Fargo;
Jamestown, No. 13, at Jamestown; Lisbon, No. 29, at Lisbon, met in convention,
and were constituted, by Companion Theodore S.

Parvin,
by authority of a dispensation from the General Grand High-Priest, Noble D.
Larner, and the Grand Chapter of North Dakota was organized in ample form with
the following constituent chapters: Missouri, No. 1, at Bismarck; Casselton,
No. 2, at

The
membership reported of the seven chapters was three hundred and fifty-five.

Ohio.

The
very first notice of Royal Arch Masonry in Ohio is found in the proceedings of
the fourth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held June 6, 1816, where it
is reported that the General Grand Scribe had granted a Warrant or
dispensation to Washington Chapter at Chillicothe, O., September 20, 1815, (1)
which was confirmed on June 7, 1816. (2) The Committee on Examination of
Credentials reported :

“On
examination it appears that American Union Chapter, of Marietta, originated in
the year 1792; that Cincinnati Chapter existed prior to the 27th of
January, 1798; that Horeb Chapter had authority from the Deputy Grand
High-Priest of the State of Maryland and District of Columbia dated 8th
March, 1815, which Grand Chapter is in connection with the General Grand
Chapter of the United States.” (3)

Cincinnati Chapter started the effort to form a Grand Chapter by sending an
invitation to the other chapters to meet at Worthington, October 21, 1816; and
on the 24th of that month the Grand Chapter was regularly
organized.

At the
fifth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 9, 1819, it was “
Voted, That the Grand Chapter of Ohio be now received into the Union of the
State Grand Chapters, under the jurisdiction of this General Grand Chapter.”
(4)

(1)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, p. 45.

(2)
Ibid., P. 45.

(3)
“History of Masonry and Concordant Orders,” p. 626.

The
above quotation is taken from the history of the “Capitular degrees,” by Comp.
Alfred F. Chapman, who stated: “On the second day of the Meeting a Committee
was appointed to examine the Credentials and reported as follows : “ viz., the
above quotation.

(4)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, p. 52.

Pennsylvania.

Grand
H.R.A. Chapter. – The first chapter of R.A. Masons formed in Pennsylvania was
that working under the Warrant of Lodge No.

3, and
its date was anterior to 1758.

From
that period until the fall of the year 1795 all Royal Arch chapters were
attached to subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge.

At an
Extra Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, held November 17, 1795,
“A letter was received and read, signed by Brother Matthias Sadler, as Grand
High-Priest of a Grand Royal Arch Chapter, by him said to be established under
the several warrants of Lodges No. 19, 52, and 67, held in the city of
Philadelphia, and, on motion, the Grand Lodge considering such action
irregular, suspended the warrants of the three lodges named until the next
Grand Communication.

At an
adjourned meeting of the Grand Lodge, held November 23, 1795, the committee
appointed on the 17th of same month to take into consideration the
action of Lodge 52, etc., reported fully on the matter and offered the
following resolutions, which were adopted :

“’Whereas, The supreme Masonic jurisdiction over all Lodges of Ancient York
Masons, held in Pennsylvania, has uniformly been and is duly and legally
vested in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania;

“’And
whereas, The number of Royal Arch Masons is greatly increased, insomuch that
other Chapters are established in this city and in other parts of
Pennsylvania;

“’And
whereas.

It was
always contemplated that such Chapters, regularly held, should be under the
protection of this Grand Lodge;

“’And
whereas.

It is
the prevailing wish of the Royal Arch Masons within this jurisdiction that a
Royal Arch Grand Chapter should be opened under the authority of this Grand
Lodge.

Be it
therefore, and it is hereby resolved, that a Grand Royal Arch Chapter be
opened under the immediate sanction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.”’

At a
meeting ot tne Grand Lodge, held March 5, 1798, “Rules and Regulations for the
government of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter, held under the protection of,
and supported by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, unanimously agreed to and
established a Grand Chapter, held in Philadelphia, February 24, 1798,” were
confirmed.

In the
declaration, preceding these rules and regulations, was the following:

“Ancient Masonry consists of four degrees, the three first of which are that
of the Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the sublime degree of Master; and a
brother being well versed in these degrees, and having discharged the offices
of his lodge, particularly that of Master, and fulfilled the duties thereof
with the approbation of the brethren of his lodge, is eligible, on due trial
and examination by the Chiefs of the Chapter to whom he shall have applied,
and by them found worthy of being admitted to the fourth degree, The Holy
Royal Arch.”

The
first of the rules declared:

“That
no Chapter of Holy Royal Arch shall be held or convened within the
commonwealth of Pennsylvania or Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, but
under the authority and sanction of a regular subsisting warrant granted by
the Grand Lodge according to the old institutions, and by the consent of said
lodge first signified to the Grand Chapter.”

Subsequently the degrees of Mark Master and Most Excellent Master were
permitted to be conferred (so as to enable Companions of Pennsylvania to enter
chapters in other States), but the conferring of them was not to be considered
as a recognition of them as degrees of Ancient York Masonry.

This
state of affairs continued until May 17, 1824, when the dependent Grand
Chapter to the Grand Lodge was closed sine die.

And on
the same day, “At a meeting of the Companions of the Holy Royal Arch, convened
at the Masonic Hall,” it was “Resolved, That the Companions now present do
organize themselves into a Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter,” and on the 24th
of the same month officers were elected, Companion Michael Nisbet being the
first Grand High-Priest of the Independent Grand Chapter, and which now
controls all the degrees of its sister Grand Chapters with the exception of
that of Past Master, which the Grand Lodge still controls.

The
Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania is not a constituent of the General Grand
Chapter of the United States.

Rhode
Island.

Washington Chapter, “Mother,” of New York, gave a Charter to Providence Royal
Arch Chapter, September 3, 1793, and was with the other chapters in the
organization of the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island, March 12, 1798.

This
Grand Chapter took part in the organization of the General Grand Chapter (1)
and continued therewith until the war period (1861-65), and as the General
Grand Chapter’s sessions were thereby interrupted, this Grand Chapter, as well
as some others, held that in consequence of the non-attendance at the regular
sessions, the General Grand Chapter had been dissolved, and the Grand Body
remained out of the Union until the session held October 12, 1897, when she
again sent her representatives and rejoined the Union.

This
action was resolved upon at the ninety-ninth annual convocation of the Grand
Chapter of Rhode Island, held March 9, 1897. (2)

South
Carolina.

A
Warrant was granted by the Grand Chapter of New York, February 1, 1803, to
Carolina Chapter, in Charleston. (3) At the third regular meeting of the
General Grand Chapter, January 9, 1806, the Gencral Grand Officers reported
having granted a Warrant for a chapter at Beaufort, S.C., by the name of Unity
Chapter, which was then confirmed. (4) The dispensation for this chapter had
been issued March 1, 1805.

In
consequence of the war with Great Britain there was no meeting of the General
Grand Chapter until 1816, which was the fourth, being a special.

At the
meeting of 1806 a petition for a chapter in Charleston, by Bryan Sweeny and
others, was presented and refused, because it was not recommended by any
adjacent chapter.

(5)

The
Grand Chapter for the State of South Carolina was instituted May 29, 1812.

We can
not find any reference to the organization of the Grand Chapter of South
Carolina in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter; but at the fourth
meeting, held

(1)
“Compendium of Proceedings General Grand Chapter of United States,” p. 8.

(2)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1897, P. 29.

(3)
Proceedings Grand Chapter of New York in “History of Masonry and Concordant
Orders,” p. 629.

(4)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1806, p. 30.

(5)
Ibid., p. 31.

June
6, 1816, Thos. Smith Webb is reported as proxy for Wm.

Voung,
the Grand High-Priest, and Foster Burnet as proxy for Benj. Phillips, Grand
Scribe; therefore, that Grand Chapter was duly recognized as a constituent of
the General Grand Chapter.

We
must presume that during the war period, as was reported to the General Grand
Chapter, “the situation of the country was such at that time as to render it
highly inconvenient for the General Grand Chapter to convene.” (1) This Grand
Chapter was also represented at the meetings held in 1826 and 1829, and not
again until 1844, and then not until 1859.

During
the years 1861 to 1865 that Grand Chapter refused to withdraw its allegiance:
“And, by a resolution adopted in 1861, the oaths of office and of initiation
have included allegiance to the General Grand Chapter,” was stated with pride,
in the sessions of 1862-65 by Albert Mackey, General Grand High-Priest and
Past Grand High-Priest of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina. (2)

South
Dakota.

When
it was decided by the chapters of Dakota Grand Chapter to organize two Grand
Chapters, viz., for North and South Dakota, a convention was held by all the
chapters located in South Dakota.

There
were present the representatives of the following chapters, viz.: Yankton, No.
1, at Yankton; Aberdeen, No. 14, at Aberdeen; Mitchell, No. 16, at Mitchell;
Brookings, No. 18, at Brookings; Orient, No. 19, at Flandreau; Rabboni, No.
23, at Webster.

Companion Theodore S. Parvin was present, and by authority of a dispensation
issued to him, as Deputy, by General Grand High-Priest Noble D. Larner, which
was confirmed by the then General Grand High-Priest David F. Day, he
constituted the Grand Chapter of South Dakota in ample form.

Tennessee.

March
2, 1818, the General Grand High-Priest issued a dispensation to Cumberland
Chapter, in Nashville, Tenn., (3) which received a Charter at the session of
the Gencral Grand Chapter, September 11, 1819. (4)

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1816, p. 41.

(2)
Ibid., 1865, p. 11 (3) Ibid., 1819, p. 60.

(4)
Ibid., p. 60.

At the
meeting held September 15, 1826, it was reported that dispensations had been
issued to the following chapters, viz. : Franklin Chapter, at Franklin, March
25, 1824; Clarksville Chapter, at Clarksville, December 11, 1824; LaFayette,
at Columbia, January 5, 1825.

At the
same session charters were ordered to be issued. (1) At the session September
16, 1826, the Grand Chapter of Tennessee was regularly recognized as having
been duly organized and constituted, (2) and became a constituent of the
General Grand Chapter.

Texas.

At the
meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held December 1835, an application was
made by Comps. Samuel M. Williams, James H. C.

Miller, and others associated with them, for a Charter to constitute a chapter
of Royal Arch Masons in Texas. (3) The committee, to whom this was referred,
recommended, December 9th, that a Warrant or Charter be issued to
them by the name of San Filipe de Austin, Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1. (4)

At the
meeting held in 1850, Austin Chapter, No. 6, petitioned to have the name
changed to Lone Star, No. 6.

At the
meeting of General Grand Chapter, September 14, 1850, the following chapters
received charters, the General Grand King having reported that dispensations
had been issued to them by him, viz. :

Those
chapters in the above table having their dispensations continued were
recommended and authorized to surrender them,

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1826, p. 78.

(2)
Ibid., p. 82.

(3)
Ibid., 1835, p. 129.

(4)
Ibid., p. 133 (5) Ibid., 1850, pp. 252, 257, 258, 268, 272.

And
receive charters from the Grand Chapter of that State, if one be organized
previous to the next meeting of the General Grand Chapter.

“The
First Grand Chapter of the Republic of Texas was formed by a convention of
Royal Arch Masons, delegates from San Filipe de Austin Chapter, of Galveston;
Cyrus Chapter, of Matagorda; Lone Star Chapter, of Austin, and Rising Star
Chapter, of San Augustine.

The
Convention met in the city of Austin on the 14th of December,
1841.” (1)

The
Grand Chapter was organized and the constitution adopted.

San
Filipe de Austin Chapter declined to sign the constitution and withdrew from
the convention.

The
constitution was adopted and ratified on December 21, 1841.

It was
signed by B.

Gillespie, Grand High-Priest, and attested by H.W. Raglin, Grand Secretary.
Compn. George Lopas, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Texas, in
1895, was instructed to prepare a reprint of the proceedings of the Grand
Chapter, which be accomplished, and the valuable results of his labors appear
in two beautiful volumes, from which we are enabled to gain all the
information as to the condition of capitular Masonry in the State of Texas.

It is
probable that no convocation was held in 1842.

The
proceedings of 1844 to 1849 included, as also the original constitution, were
printed and given verbatim in the reprint.

The
compiler, Compn. Lopas, was unable to account for the missing Nos. 2, 9, 10,
11 and was unable to learn of their names or locations. (2)

The
chapter San Filipe de Austin, No. 1, to be located at San Filipe de Austin, in
consequence of unforeseen events was never opened at that place, but was
opened at Galveston, June 2, 1840, four years and a half later.

Chapter in 1844, and, on September 12th, by a resolution adopted,
the removal was approved. (1)

A
certain Scotchman, Dugald McFarlane, organized a chapter in Matagorda, in
1837, and named it Cyrus Chapter, having neither Warrant or Charter.

Doubts
having arisen as to its legality, in 1841, they petitioned the Grand Lodge of
the Republic of Texas for a dispensation to open a chapter.

A
dispensation was issued to them December 10, 1841.

At the
same time dispensations were also issued to Rising Star Chapter, at San
Augustine, and Lone Star Chapter, at Austin. (2)

After
the organization of the Grand Chapter they addressed a memorial to the Grand
Lodge of Texas, and after setting forth certain reasons litfore, respectfully
asked the Grand Lodge “to relinquish and surrender all jurisdiction and
control over the Royal Arch Chapters and Royal Arch Masons in the Republic of
Texas upon the surrender of the dispensations heretofore granted by your
worshipful body.” (3)

This
was granted by the Grand Lodge of Texas.

All
the irregularities of these chapters in Texas in the early years were
respectively cured by the action of the General Grand Chapter in the one case
of San Filipe de Austin Chapter, and the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas
as to the other chapters.

The
General Grand Chapter, however, did not recognize the Grand Chapter of Texas
as having been regularly constituted, as they had not asked permission to
organize from that body, and the General Grand Chapter decided to suppress it
by mild means.

In
1847 they passed a resolution forbidding Royal Arch Masons under that
jurisdiction from holding Masonic intercourse with the Grand Chapter of Texas,
its subordinates, and those acknowledging its authority.

“At
the formation of the Grand Chapter of Texas in the city of Galveston, December
30, 1850, the following chapters were represented: San Filipe de Austin, No.
1, chartered by the General Grand Chapter, December 9, 1835; Washington, No.
2, Brenham, No. 5, and Brazos, No. 8.

“Of
the Chapters organized by authority of the General Grand Chapter, all but San
Filipe de Austin, No. 1, surrendered their authority

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, p. 191.

(2)
Ruthven’s Reprint,” p. 101.

(3)
Ibid., vol. i., p. 112.

From
the General Grand Chapter to the Grand Chapter of Texas, and received their
charters, dated June 25, 1851, and signed by the Grand Officers elected at the
second annual convocation in the town of Huntsville, June 24, 1851.”

“San
Filipe de Austin, No. 1, never received a charter from the Grand Chapter of
Texas until June 22, 1860.”

“Many
of the Companions who belonged to Chapters under the First Grand Chapter of
the Republic of Texas, believing the action of the General Grand Chapter in
regard to Royal Arch Masonry in Texas unwarranted and unjust, refused to be
‘healed’ under the new organization, and were thereby debarred from enjoying
the privileges for which they had worked so earnestly and long.

Others
accepted the situation until such time as they should be able to sever an
alliance that was unsought and always distasteful.”

“The
time came in 1861, when, on the 17th of June, the Grand Chapter
adopted the following resolution :

“Resolved, That all connection between this Grand Chapter and the General
Grand Chapter of the United States is dissolved and forever annihilated by the
separation of our State from that government.” (1)

The
Grand Chapter of Texas has steadily refused all overtures from the General
Grand Chapter to return to the fold from which she withdrew in 1861. Tempus
lit omnia” (Time cures all things), and we feel assured that, with the passing
away of the present generation, with its prejudices, so will pass away that
feeling in the Grand Chapter of Texas which now keeps her out of the fold,
especially as some of her best members never left the General Grand Body.

Utah

December 13, 1872, Utah Chapter, No. 1, Salt Lake City, had a dispensation
issued, and a Charter was granted November 25, 1874.

(2) A
dispensation was issued for Ogden Chapter, No. 2, at Ogden, March 11, 1881;
and Ontario, No. 3, at Park City, October 26, 1882; and charters to these two
were granted August 15, 1883. (3) Utah has no Grand Chapter, and is under the
control of the General Grand Chapter.

(1)
“Historical Sketch,” P. 7.

(2)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1870 p. 56.

(3)
Ibid., 1883, pp. 96, 97.

Vermont.

The
first notice of Royal Arch Masonry we have is in the proceedings of the
General Grand Chapter, at its third regular meeting, held January 9, 1806,
where it is stated that a communication from Rutland in the State of Vermont,
signed by Nicholas Goddard, Grand Secretary, was presented, informing the
General Grand Chapter of the formation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in the
State of Vermont, etc. (1) At this first day of the meeting the General Grand
Chapter, by resolution, admitted the said Grand Chapter of Vermont into union
with that body. (2)

From
the records of the Grand Chapter of New York we learn that a Warrant for a
Mark Master Mason’s Lodge was granted at Bennington, January 30, 1799.

Also
that the Deputy Grand High- Priest issued a dispensation to Jerusalem Chapter,
in Vergennes, March 25, 1805; and the Grand Chapter granted it a Charter,
February 5, 1806. (3)

A
Grand Chapter was organized in Vermont, December 20, 1804, but there is no
record to be found when, nor by whom, Royal Arch Masonry was introduced into
the State.

From
the proceedings of the Grand Chapter of New York we also learn that in
February, 1805, the matter of the formation of a Grand Chapter in Vermont was
under consideration, and it was the opinion that there ought to be at least
three regular Royal Arch Chapters to form a Grand Chapter, and also they say
that “your Committee have had authentic evidence from respectable sources,
that there were but three members at the formation of the aforesaid Grand
Chapter.” (4)

A
protest was made against the effort to form the Grand Chapter; nevertheless we
find that the General Grand Chapter did recognize the organization of that
Grand Chapter, as above stated.

The
last annual convocation was held in 1832, six years after the great
anti-Masonic excitement commenced, Compn. Nathan B. Haswell (Blessed be his
memory) being then Grand High-Priest, who also was present at the triennial
convocation of the General Grand Chapter in 1832.

At the
session of 1844 Compn. Haswell said:

“At
the last triennial meeting of your body in New York I had

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1806, p. 39.

(2)
Ibid., P. 29.

(3)
“History of Masonry and Concordant Orders,” p. 633.

(4)
Ibid., p. 633.

The
honor to present a communication giving an account of the state of Masonry in
Vermont.

In
accordance with a duty I owe the fraternity and in behalf of many good and
true Masons in my State I have now further to report that nothing has occurred
since that period to warrant the resuming of our Masonic labors.

“In no
State of our Union has the anti-Masonic spirit gained so strong a foothold as
in Vermont.

Although she has been divested of the political power that for years worked
her curse, still her old leaders continue restless and troublesome; and under
the abolition excitement which now pervades the State they still exert a
secret influence hostile to our institution, which time, patience, and
perseverance can alone conquer.

“Mortifying and unpleasant as it is to be compelled by the continued force of
circumstances to suspend our Masonic labors, prudence dictates a course so
important to the well-being and future welfare of the whole fraternity.

“We
look forward, however, to a period when we can peacefully resume them and when
public opinion shall do us justice, and sanction a course thus adopted; then
shall our obscure but not lost Pleiad again break forth, diffusing new light
and heat, in the Masonic Constitution [Constellation perhaps]. (1)

“We
now ask your fraternal advice in our difficult movements.

And in
behalf of the Companions and brethren in Vermont, whose fidelity has never
been shaken, I submit this report.

“NATHAN B. HASWELI, High-Priest and Grand Master.”

In
February, 1848, Jerusalem Chapter, No. 2, was reopened by a dispensation from
the General Grand Scribe.

The
Grand Lodge of Vermont was revived in 1847; and soon following this event the
Companions of the Grand Chapter made a movement toward the revival of the
Grand Chapter, and under the direction of Companion Haswell, who was the last
Grand High-Priest, and sanctioned by the Deputy-General Grand High-Priest, the
Grand Chapter was reorganized July 18, 1849.

There
were three chapters which took part in the reorganization: Jerusalem, No. 2,
at Vergennes; Burlington, No. 12, at Burlington and LaFayette, No. 15, at East
Berkshire.

(3)Proceedings of
General Grand Chapter, 1844, pp. 183, 184.

In
October, 1849, the Grand High-Priest granted a renewal of the Charter to
Champlain Chapter, at St. Albans.

June
11 1850, an attested copy of the original Charter of this chapter was shown in
the Grand Chapter with proof of original Charter having been dearoyed by fire.

Champlain Chapter paid $25, under the ruling, and was revived and represented
at that grand convocation.(1)

Since
that period the Grand Chapter has continued to be represented in the General
Grand Chapter.

Virginia

The
introduction of Royal Arch Masonry into Virginia in 1753 was no doubt similar
to its introduction into Pennsylvania and other States north of it, by means
of Royal Arch lodges, so-called, because the Royal Arch degree was permitted
to be conferred under the lodge Charter, and we have recently seen the
discovery by Bro. S.J. Quinn, of Fredericksburg, of the fact that in that
ancient town there was such a lodge, in which the Royal Arch degree was
conferred, earlier than in any other place in the colonies; and very soon
after that degree had been introduced into the work of the lodges in England.

It has
been said, by others, that the introduction of the Royal Arch degree into
Virginia was by Bro. Joseph Myers, who was the successor of Da Costa, who had
opened, under the authority of Bro. Michael Moses Hayes, a Sublime Grand Lodge
of Perfection in 1783, at Charleston, S.C. Bro.

Myers
subsequently settled in Richmond, Va., and then and there introduced the Holy
Royal Arch of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, which was taught in Virginia
until 1820, when the ritual of the English degree was adopted, whose officers
consisted of High-Priest, King, and Scribe, while the former were High-Priest,
Captain of the Host, and Captain General.

Bro.
John Dove, in his history of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, uses the following
language :

“Royal
Arch Masonry was taught and practiced in this State during the latter part of
the last century, under the authority of a Master’s Warrant, until the want of
some specific legislation seemed

(3)“History of
Masonry and Concordant Orders,” p. 633.

Evidently indicated for the internal government of the Royal Arch Chapters,
which were then growing in number and increasing in members.”

This
was in the early part of 1806, and from his acknowledged intellectual ability,
in connection with the record of his constant attendance at every meeting of
the Grand Chapter of Virginia from December 17, 1818, to December 17, 1868, he
was well qualified to decide with authority.

In
discussing the matter of substitutes he said: “We have been in the constant
use of them since 1792, and have as yet seen no evil result therefrom.”

From
the date above mentioned by Comp. Dove, viz., 1792, when the Royal Arch was
conferred, we may be safe in our statement that as early as 1792 Royal Arch
Masonry was practiced in Virginia.

We
also, from his statement, may be assured that in Virginia the degree of Past
Master was in the chapter series and had been in Virginia since 1790, and
whatever may have been the full ritual under lodge warrants, it was practiced
until 1820.

At a
convocation of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, held January 7, 1820, it was
“Resolved, That our enlightened Companion, James Cushman, H.-P. of Franklin
Chapter, No. 4, Connecticut, be requested to exemplify the mode of work at
present adopted by the General Grand Chapter of the United States, it
appearing from his credentials that he is fully competent.”

On
January 18, 1820, the degree of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent
Master, and Royal Arch Mason were exemplified by him and after “most solemn
deliberation” were adopted, “that harmony and unity should prevail throughout
the Masonic world, and more especially the United States.”

From
1820 until December 17, 1841, the council degrees of Royal and Select Masters
were controlled by a Grand Council.

At the
latter date, by mutual agreement, these degrees were placed under the control
of the Grand Chapter, and the following resolutions give the order of
succession :

“Resolved, That hereafter the degrees in subordinate chapters be given in the
following order, to wit : Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master,
Royal Master, Select Master, and Royal Arch.” May 1, 1808, the Grand Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons of Virginia was established, in compliance with a
proposition from a convention held in “Norfolk Borough,” when it appeared that
the “Grand United Chapter of Excellent and Superexcellent Masons of Norfolk
had proposed to the Royal Arch Chapters of Richmond, Staunton, and Dumfries to
establish a Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the State of Virginia.”

This
movement was entirely independent of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
the United States, and that Grand Chapter has always held aloof from the
General Grand Body.

The
Supreme Grand Chapter established Magnolia Chapter, No. 16, at Appalachicola,
and Florida Chapter, No. 32, at Tallahassee, Fla., which united with the other
chapters in Florida in forming the Grand Chapter of that State.

Washington.

November 1, 1869, a dispensation was granted to Seattle Chapter, No. 1, in
Seattle. (1) A dispensation was granted to Walla Walla Chapter, No. 2, in
Walla Walla, February 13, 1871. Charters were granted at the meeting of
General Grand Chapter, September 20, 1871. (2)

From
difficulties encountered within the first chapter it did not succeed, and its
Charter was suspended by the General Grand High-Priest, May 25, 1873, and
reported by him at the meeting held November 2, 1874. (3) The report of the
committee to whom this action had been referred, as also a memorial from
members of that chapter, recommended that the action of the General Grand
High-Priest be approved; and that the memorial be referred to that officer
with power to restore or arrest the Charter of said chapter, as in his
judgment he may deem best for the interest of Royal Arch Masonry. (4)

On
August 27, 1880, the Charter was declared forfeited and that number (1) of
said chapter be assigned to Walla Walla Chapter.

(5)

A
dispensation was granted to Spokane Chapter, No. 2, at Spokane Falls, November
1, 1881; and one to Seattle, No. 3, at Seattle January 2, 1833.

At the
meeting August 15, 1883, charters were granted to both of these chapters. (6)

A
convention having been called to meet at Spokane Falls, June 6, 1884, the
General Grand High-Priest decided that a letter of a

(1)
Proccedings Grand Chapter, 1871, p. 33.

(2)
Ibid., p. 33.

(3)
Ibid., 1874, p. 15 (4) Ibid., p. 55 (5) Ibid., 1880, p. 69.

(6)
Ibid., 1883, p. 97.

Should
first have been obtained before holding a convention, and gave his authority
to hold a convention at Walla Walla October 2, 1884. (1) (May 10, 1884, the
General Grand High-Priest had granted a dispensation to Tacoma Chapter, No. 4,
which by order passed to the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter.)

This
convention was held at that date by the three chapters above mentioned.

West
Virginia.

After
the State of West Virginia was erected and the Grand Lodge of the new State
had been regularly organized, May 11, 1865, the Companions of the various
chapters, numbering nine, who were under the Constitution of the Grand Chapter
of Virginia, deemed it proper to follow the example of the lodges, and
organize a Grand Chapter for the new territory.

This
movement started in Wheeling Union Chapter, No. 19, Wheeling.

A
memorial was issued by Wheeling Union Chapter, which sought permission to
organize a Grand Chapter for the State.

The
following chapters approved the memorial: Jerusalem Chapter, No. 55, in
Parkersburg, November 17, 1870; Star of the West Chapter, No. 18, at Point
Pleasant, November 21, 1870; and Nelson Chapter, No. 26, at Morgantown,
November 30, 1870.

The
Grand Chapter of Virginia took action upon the memorial, December, 1870, and
gave consent, “upon the same terms and conditions, and with the same
limitations, as the consent of the Grand Lodge of Virginia was given to the
formation of a Grand Lodge for the State of West Virginia.”

A
convention was held November 16, 1871, in Wheeling, and the four chapters
above mentioned were represented by their delegates; in addition to these were
delegates from Lebanon Chapter, No. 9, at Martinsburg.

The
Grand Chapter of West Viyginia was duly and constitutionally instituted, the
Grand Officers were chosen and installed by Most Excellent John P.

Little, Grand High-Priest of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, who took occasion
to warn the Companions against a union with the General Grand Chapter. (2)
This warning, like that which oftentimes only excites the curiosity

(1)
Proceedings Grand Chapter, 1886, P. 20.

(2)
“Masonic History of Concordant Orders,” p. 636.

Of the
Warnee, has had the effect of bringing the Grand Chapter of West Virginia into
the fold, which we trust will be followed by the Mother of the Old Dominion.

Wisconsin.

The
Deputy-General Grand High-Priest, at the triennial meeting of the General
Grand Chapter held September 10, 1844, reported having granted a dispensation
to two chapters in Wisconsin Territory, viz. : February 16, 1844, to
Milwaukee, No. 1; and Washington, No. 2, in Plattesville, July 2, 1844. (1) At
the meeting September 14, 1847, the same officer reported having issued a
dispensation to Southport Chapter, No. 3, in Southport (no date); (2) and also
that his proxy had consecrated Washington Chapter, No. 2, at Plattesville, a
Charter having been granted to said chapter, September 11, 1844. (3) A Charter
was granted to Southport, No. 3, at the meeting held September 17, 1847. (4)

By
authority of the Deputy-General Grand High-Priest under date of January 10,
1850, a convention was held in Madison of the delegates of the three chapters,
and the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin was duly constituted, February 14, 1850.

The
Deputy-General Grand High-Priest having received officially the printed
proceedings and grand constitution under date of July 5, 1850, he authorized
Argulus W. Stark to install the Grand Officers, which was done August 7, 1850.

Wyoming

At the
triennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter held September 19, 1871, the
General Grand High-Priest reported that he had issued a dispensation to a
constitutional number of Companions to form a chapter at Cheyenne, Wyoming
Territory, under the name of Wyoming Chapter, No. 1, (5) which was chartered,
September 20, 1871. (6)

Evanston Chapter, No. 2, at Evanston, received a dispensation dated April 25,
1876; (7) and Lebanon, No. 8, at Laramie City, had

(1)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1844, p. 182.

(2)
Ibid., 1847, p. 209.

(3)
Ibid., 1844, p. 185, note.

(4)
Ibid., 1847, p. 228.

(5)
Ibid., 1871, p. 15.

(6)
Ibid., p. 33.

(7)
Ibid., 1877, p. 92.

A
dispensation granted March 15, 1877; and these two had charters granted August
24, 1877. (1)

Garfield Chapter, No. 4, at Rawlins, had a dispensation issued March 25, 1884;
and a Charter granted October 1, 1886. (2) These chapters are under the
immediate jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, never having organized a
Grand Chapter.

CHRONOLOGICAL MEMORANDA OF IMPORTANT TRANSACTIONS OF THE GENERAL GRAND
CHAPTER!

October 24, 1797. – Preliminary meeting of three chapters in Boston, Mass.

January 24, 1798. – Organization of the “Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the
Northern States of America.” September, 1798. – First meeting after
organization for the choice of

Officers.

January 9, 1799. – Adjourned meeting; change of name to that of General Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States of America.

January 9, 1806. – Change of name to that of General Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons for the United States of America.

September, 1812, was, by resolution, fixed as the time, and New York City as
the place, for the next Septennial Session.

June
6, 1816. – Held in New York City, by reason of failure to meet in 1812.

Constitution changed, so as to have a Depay General Grand High-Priest.

September, 1819. – Held agreeably to adjournment.

February, 1823. – Adjournment was to Washington, District of Columbia, at this
time, but not held.

November, 1874. – Constitution amended, making the first four Past General
Grand Officers permanent members.

October 13, 1897. – Centennial Celebration at Baltimore, Md.

(1)
Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1877, pp. 92, 93.

(2)
Ibid., 1886, p. 125.

(3)
Ibid., 1897.

P. 1548

CHAPTER LVII

HISTORY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF
FREEMASONRY INTO EACH STATE AND TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES

The
Cryptic Degrees

In the
Freemason's Library and General Ahiman Rezon, by Samuel Cole, P.M., published
in Baltimore in 1826, we find a list of forty-three degrees which was taken
from a "late publication, 1816," which the author states are conferred in the
Sublime Grand Lodges in Charleston, S. C., in the city of New York, and in
Newport, R.I., which we have heretofore quoted.

"Besides those degrees, which are in regular succession, most of the
Inspectors are in possession of a number of detached degrees, given in
different parts of the world, and which they generally communicate, free of
expense, to those brethren who are high enough to understand them. Such as
Select Masons, of 27, and the Royal Arch, as gnven under the Constitution of
Dublin, etc., etc."

In a
description of the degree of Select Master, the writer says: There is reason
to believe that this degree was in use long before those of Most Excellent or
Mark Master." (1)

It is
well enough to quote from the charge to a Select Master, to indicate its
proper place in the "curriculum" of the degrees: "Companion - Having attained
to this degree, you have passed the circle of perfection in Ancient Masonry."
(2)

This
indicates that the Select degree closed all the degrees appertaining to the
"Secret Vault," as it really did, up to 1826 at least.

The
edition of the above work of 1817 contains an article by Hezekiah Niles on the
Select degree, in which he says : "Though this beautiful Degree is known to
some persons in many parts of the

(1)
Freemason's Library," Cole, p. 220.

(2)
Ibid., p. 223.

United
States, we are not informed that it is worked anywhere but in Baltmore. We
have been told that a regular Chapter of Select was held at Charleston, S.C.,
many years ago, but believe it has declined. (1)

Bro.
John Dove of Virginia, says: "This beautiful Degree is comparatively of Modern
Origin, having been, with the Degree of Royal Master, in the possession of a
distinguished Chief, in the State of Maryland, as a purely honorary Degree,
elucidatory of, and appendent to Royal Arch Masonry, and by him conferred
without fee; he delegated authority to others, to use them, in the same way,
until the year 1824, when the Grand Chapter of Maryland, with his consent,
took charge of the Degrees, and ordered them to be given before the Most
Excellent Master; where all intelligent workers in the Royal Arch must at once
perceive the propriety of their location." (2)

Brother A.G. Mackey says: "For many years there have been three distinct
claims urged for jurisdiction over these degrees, in America - first, by the
Supreme Council of the 33d Degree; next by some of the Grand Chapters; and
lastly by the Grand Councils, composed of the subordinate Councils of each
State."

"Connected with this question of jurisdiction is another in reference to the
historical origin of the Degrees, and, as the person or persons, by whom they
were first introduced into America.

The
Masons of Maryland and Virginia contend, that the Royal and Select Degrees
were introduced by Philip P. Eckel, of Baltimore, one of the most
distinguished and enlightened Masons of his day, who, in 1817, communicated
them to Jeremy L.

Cross,
and gave him authority to confer them in every Royal Arch Chapter which he
might visit in his official character." This clearly shows that they were to
be subsequent to the Royal Arch.

Dr.
Robert Folger says: "The Masons of that day (1816) were divided in opinion
concerning the proper place to which these degrees (Royal and Select)
belonged.

One
party preferred that they should be kept separate, and left where they were -
a separate system."

At the
fourth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, June 6, 1816, a discussion took
place upon the proposition for the admission of the Grand Chapter of Maryland
and the District of Columbia,

(1)
Schultz's "History of Masonry in Maryland," vol. i., p. 335.

(2)
Ibid., p. 336.

WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN

Philip
P. Eckel and Benj. Edes being the representatives of that Grand Chapter.

We
learn from the published minutes of that meetig, that a committee made the
following report:

"The
undersigned having been appointed a Committee for the purpose of conferring
with M.'. E.'. Comps.

Philip
P. Eckel and Benjamin Edes, delegates of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the
State of Maryland, beg leave to report that they have had an interview with
the above named Companions, from whom they received the following proposition,
to wit : The Grand Chapter of the State of Maryland and District of Columbia
is willing to support the Constitution of this General Grand Chapter.

It
will not grant any warrants out of its District and will discountenance all
chapters formed contrary to the General Grand Constitution; but requests that
it shall not be forced to alter its mode of working, if any difference should
exist, at present, and to be received on an equality with the other Grand
Chapters.

"Under
a consideration of all the above circumstances, your Committee recommend that
the said Grand Chapter of the State of Maryland be admitted to an union with
this General Grand Chapter.

"(Signed by the Committee).

The
Undersigned, delegates from the Grand Chapter of Maryland and District of
Columbia, agree to the above report.

"Signed P.P. ECKEL, G.'. H.'. P.'.

"BENJ.
EDES."

This
report being read and accepted, it was thereupon voted to receive the said
Grand Chapter of the State of Maryland and District of Columbia under the
jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter. (1) Folger, referring to this
meeting of the General Grand Chapter, says: "The whole matter then came up for
discussion, Mr. Eckel, of Maryland, taking a very prominent part in advocating
the Union of these two degrees with the services of the Royal Arch Chapter.

The
discussion became warm and lasted the better part of two days, when the motion
to unite them was rejected.

Whereupon, immediately after adjournment, the State Grand Council of Royal
Masters was formed, and the different Councils came under that governing
power, and continued so up to 1828.

It was
this move

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1816, p. 44.

on the
part of the General Grand Chapter, in refusing a recognition of those degrees,
that determined Mr. Cross in his future course.

"Mr.
Eckel, the Baltimore delegate, then went home; and when Cross, who at that
session of the General Grand Chapter had been appointed and confirmed as
General Grand Lecturer, started on his lecturing tour, he stopped at Baltimore
and purchased and received the privilege from Eckel and Niles to erect and
establish councils of Royal and Select Masters throughout the Southern and
Western States. This privilege he carried out pretty effectually, beginning
with New Jersey; and all the councils in existence in those States, mentioned
in his narrative, were established by himself, also the Eastern States, except
Rhode Island." Bro. Edw. T. Schultz, in commenting upon what Folger had
published as above, said:

"From
the above quotations it will be perceived that it was the general belief that
the control of the Royal and Select Degrees were vested in Eckel and Niles.

"But
we think Bros, Dove, Mackey, and Folger, and others, make a great mistake in
coupling the Royal Master's Degree with the Select, in connection with the
names of Eckel and Niles; for there is no evidence whatever to show that these
Brethren ever exercised or claimed control of the Royal Master's degree, or
that they were even in possession of that degree, at the periods named by
them." (1)

From
Bro. Josiah H. Drummond we learn that, on apparently good authority, Eckel did
not get the Royal Master's degree until 1819; when he and Benj.

Edes,
of Baltimore, received it from Ebenezer Wadsworth, of New York. Bro.

Schultz thinks "this is probably true, for there is no mention of that degree
being worked in this jurisdiction (Maryland) in any document, or upon the
records of the Grand Chapter or its subordinates earlier than 1850. Bro. Cole,
in 1817, speaks of it incidentally, but not as among the degrees conferred."
(2)

These
are considered as merely preparatory, and are usually conferred immediately
before the solemn ceremony of exaltation. (3) It

(1)
Schultz, "History," vol. i-, p. 339.

(2)
Ibid., p. 338.

(3)
Cole, p. 319.

WARRANT TO JEREMY CROSS

will
be remembered itat on page 220 of Cole we quoted him as saying that among
those degrees communicated "to those brethren who are high enough to
understand them, such as Select Masons of 27" and the Royal Arch, as given
under the Constitution of Dublin, etc.

This
evidently shows that even as late as 1826 these two degrees of Royal and
Select were not united; and also, that the Royal Master preceded the Royal
Arch; and it was most likely that the Select degree followed the Royal Arch.

We
show herewith a facsimile copy of the original commission to Jeremy L. Cross,
from Eckel and Niles.

To all
whom it may concern

Imprest with a perfect conviction that a knowledge of the misteries of the
degree of Royal Arch are eminently promoted by a knowledge of those revealed
in the Council of Select Masons; and Whereas, the said degree of Select is not
so extensively known as its wants and the good of the Craft require -
Therefore Know Ye, That reposing especial confidence in my beloved and trusty
Companion, Jeremy L. Cross. I do hereby, by the high powers in me vested,
authorise and empower him to confer the said degree as follows (viz.): In any
place where a regular chapter of Royal Arch Masons is established, the Oficers
or Members approving, he may confer said degree according to its rules &
regulations, but only on Royal Arch Masons, who have taken all the preceding
degrees, as is required by the General Grand Chapter. When a competent number
of Select Maosns are thus made, he may grant them a warrant to open a Council
of Select and confer the degree and do all other business appertaining
thereto.

Given
under my hand and Seal at Baltimore, the 27th day of May, A.D. 1817, and in
the year of the Dis. 2817,

Sigm
Philip L. Eckel

Thrice
Illustrious & Grand Puissant in the Grand Council of Select at Baltimore &
Approved as G.G. Scribe.

Approved and attested as Ill. in the Grand Council.

H.
Niles

The
Select degree was recognized by the constitution of the Grand Chapter of
Maryland adopted in 1824, but the Royal Master's degree is not mentioned. (1)

Bro.
Schultz continues: "Furthermore, the Warrant granted to Cross, by Eckel and
Niles, a copy of which, taken from a photograph copy of the Original, in the
possession of Bro. Wm. R. Singleton, of Washington, is here inserted, and from
which it will be seen that the Select Degree alone is mentioned."

In the
first warrants issued by Cross under this commission, the Companions were
empowered "to form themselves into a regular Council of Select Masters," but
in the warrants issued by him in 1819 and thereafter, the High Powers in him
vested, by the Grand Council at Baltimore, were enlarged to include the Royal
Master's degree. (2)

It is
well to state that from the action subsequently taken by Grand Chapter of
Maryland in 1827, from documents submitted, "upon the subject of the
institution of the Select Degree independent of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter,"
which were referred to a committee, who recommended that a circular be sent to
the several Grand Chapters, regarding the matter, and which was adopted.

Cross
was charged with having abused the "authority delegated or meant to be
delegated" to him, and it had been asserted that he had been expelled by the
Grand Chapter but Bro. Schultz assures us that there is nothing in the records
to warrant such an assertion." Moreover, Cross did not belong to any chapter
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Maryland.

Cross,
it is said, established about thirty-three councils in various

(10
Schultz, p. 338.

(2)
Ibid.

(3)
Ibid.

parts
of the United States.

He
also delegated others, with power in like manner to issue warrants for
councils of Royal and Select Masters.

"From
all that has been stated, it is evident, not only that Eckel and Niles claimed
to have had the supreme control and authority over the Select degree, but that
this claim was generally regarded valid; and it is equally as evident, we
think, that these Brethren never claimed the control of the Royal Master's
degree." "It has always been a question of much interest with Masonic writers
to know the source whence these Brethren received their authority, and the
control of the Select degree.

An old
document, that most unexpectedly came to the knowledge of the writer about a
year ago, settles that question beyond a doubt.

It is
as follows :

"Whereas, In the year of the Temple, 2792, our thrice illustrious Brother
Henry Wilmans, Grand Elect, Select, Perfect Sublime Mason, Grand Inspector
General, and Grand Master of Chapters of the Royal Arch, Grand Elect and
Perfect Master's Lodges and Councils, Knight of the East, Prince of Jerusalem,
Patriarch Noachite, Knight of the Sun, and Prince of the Royal Secret, did by
and in Virtue of the powas in him legally vested, establish, ordain, erect and
support a Grand Council of Select Masons in the City of Baltimore, and wrought
therein, to the great benefit of the Craft, and to the profitable extension
and elucidation of the Mysteries of Masonry:- and Whereas, we the subscribers
to these presents are by regular succession possessors of all the rights,
privileges and immunities and powers vested in any way whatsoever in the said
Grand Council of Select Masons, considering the great advantages that would
accrue to the Craft, in an extension of the knowledge of the Royal Secret, as
introductory to, and necessary for, the better understanding of the Superior
Degrees.

"Know
all, whom it may concern, that we do hereby authorize and empower our trusty
and beloved Companions K.S....K. T.... H.A.... of the same, to open and to
hold a Chapter of Select Masons in the City of Baltimore and under such
By-Laws and regulations as may be enacted and established for the government
of the same subject to the following general rules and regulations."' (Which
we omit.)

From
some cause the dispensation was not used, but the fact is fully and
emphatically stated by Eckel and Niles, under their hand and seal, that they
were, "by regular succession, possessors of all the rights, privileges, and
immunities and powers vested in any way whatsoever in the said Grand Council
of Select Masons," which has been instituted in the city of Baltimore, in the
year 1792, by Henry Wilmans, "Grand Inspector General."

"This
document, in connection with the Rules and Regulations of the Lodge of
Perfection (referred to above), leave no room for doubt that Wilmans was an
Inspector of the Rite of Perfection, and that he exercised, in the City of
Baltimore, in 1792, the powers claimed by such Inspectors.

But
from whom did Wilmans acquire his powers of 'Grand Inspector General,' and the
authority 'to establish, ordain, erect and support a Chapter of Select
Masons?'"

"We
regret that we can not answer the question, nor could the learned Brethren in
vaious parts of the country, to whom we applied.

The
name of Wilmans does not appear upon any register or document in the archives
of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction, or upon any other known
document or record containing the names of the early Inspectors.

From
the fact that in both the documents he is styled 'Grand Inspector General,'
while those deriving their powers from Morin are styled 'Deputy Inspectors,'
led to the supposition that he might have derived his powers from Europe;
acting upon which supposition, letters were addressed to the Grand Lodges at
Berlin and Bremen.

While
the result of the correspondence, which ensued, was of an interesting nature,
nothing in regard to his Masonic character could be learned.

"It
has been ascertained that Wilmans was a native of Bremen, and that he
emigrated to this country as early at least as the year 1790, and settled in
Baltimore.

The
first mention of his name, on the records of the Grand Lodge, is in connection
with Concordia Lodge, in 1793, of which he was appointed the first or Charter
Master.

In the
same year he was elected Deputy Grand Master and in the following year, Grand
Master of Masons in Maryland.

The
register of the Old Zion Lutheran Church, of this city, shows that he died in
1795."

"In a
MSS. book of Moses Holbrook, of South Carolina, written in 1829, it is stated
that Joseph Myers, a Deputy Inspector General, deposited in the year 1788, in
the archives of the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem at Charleston, 'a
certified copy of the Royal and Select Master's degrees received from
Berlin.'"

"This
is evidently an error, so far as it relates to the Royal Master's degree.

As
intimated, the degree was first known in the Eastern States, and the earliest
reliable mention of it there, is in the year 1809." "Bro.

Holbrook wrote his book in 1829, at which time both degrees were conferred at
Charleston, and naturally he connected the two in his statement, making a
similar error that others do, when stating that Eckel and Niles claimed the
control of the Royal Master's degree. The book referred to contains also the
statement, that somewhere about the year 1788, Joseph Myers was for a time
located at Baltimore."

"Did
Wilmans receive the Select degree from Myers, or did Myers receive it from
Wilmans?"

"If
the degree came from Berlin, it is quite probable that Wilmans brought it with
him, as he came from Germany, about the time mentioned for the deposit, in the
MSS. of Holbrook."

"There
is a tradition existing in the Eastern States, that Eckel received the degree
from a Prusian, temporarily sojourning in Baltimore.

The
period of Wilmans' residence in Baltimore was perhaps not over eight years,
and with some propriety, he might have been regarded as a sojourner - and a
Prussian."

"It is
stated, but upon what authority we know not, that the Royal and Select degrees
were conferred by Andrew Franken at Albany in 1769, and that he conferred them
upon Samuel Stringer, who afterwards removed to Maryland; but we have not been
able to find this name upon any of the records of this jurisdiction."

"These
statements or traditions, it will be seen, all point to Maryland as the source
from whence the select degree, and (as the writers will have it) Royal
Master's degree also, were subsequently introduced into other parts." (1)

Folger
says Eckcl, at the session of the General Grand Chapter, advocated "the Union
of the degrees with the services of the Royal Arch Chapter."

"From
1824 to 1852, the Select degree only was worked in the chapters in Maryland
and District of Columbia.

After
1852, both degrees were worked in Councils specially convened for the purpose,
after the Most Excellent and prior to the Royal Arch." (2)

The
true history of the origin and progress of the Cryptic Rite

(1)
Schultz, "History of Maryland," vol. i., pp. 335 to 344.

(2)
Ibid., p. 344.

in the
several States, if it were possible to produce it, would prove of great
interest to the Masonic student.

From
the preceding pages, taken mostly from the labors of Companion Edw. T.

Schultz in his valuable History of Masonry in Maryland, we learn that, while
the degrees of Royal Master and Select of Twenty-seven may have been conferred
in various places prior to 1792, yet we must concede that the organization of
the Council of Select Masons in Baltimore by Philip P.

Eckel
and Hezekiah Niles, under the sanction of Henry Wilmans, was the very first
organized effort to propagate the rite in this country.

Companion Schultz has shown, very clearly, that we can not go beyond the date
of that organization, so far as any ancient records have been discovered.

After
Companion Jeremy L. Cross had been appointed the Grand Lecturer of the General
Grand Chapter, at the session of 1816 - we learn, from several sources, that
Cross went to Baltimore in 1827 - and there, no doubt, was initiated into the
degree of Select Master and recoved the Warrant from Eckel and Niles which is
referred to on the preceding page of this chapter.

A
photograph copy of the original is in the possession of the present writer.

This
photo copy was submitted to the daughter of Bro.

Eckel,
who was the wife of Brother, Hon.

Elijah
Stansbury, Ex-Mayor of Baltimore, and they both certified that they recognized
his signature; and, moreover, sent the writer an original letter written by
Bro. Eckel in 1819.

These
evidences were submitted to experts in handwriting, and the certificate to
Cross was pronounced a forgery because the real later signature was of so much
better caligraphy than the signature in the suspected paper, as, according to
the expert's idea, it should not have been better, being two years older!!!
The writer has in his possession several other papers signed by Eckel, and in
no two of them do his signatures correspond.

Our
duty as a historian requires this statement to be made. Our own opinion is
yet, that the document shown by Cross was a veritable commission from Eckel
and Niles to propagate the degree, and the Masonic World should be glad
thereof; as by his means, the rite spread rapidly in the South and West.

The
writer was made a Royal and Select Master, in one of Cross's councils, in St.
Louis, Mo., in 1841, about the time the Grand Council of the State was
organized, as he then copied their records into the record-book.

The
Grand Chapter of Maryland, having incorporated the Select degree into the
chapter work in 1824, in 1828 that Grand Chapter sent communications to other
Grand Chapters suggesting the propriety of the several Grand Chapters in the
United States assuming jurisdiction over the degrees of Royal and Select
Masters.

In the
Grand Chapter of South Carolina, this matter was referred to a committee, who
reported February 26, 1829, which report was unanimously adopted by the Grand
Chapter :

"That
Committee, after extensive and careful investigation, reported, that in
February, 1783, Dr. Dalcho and many others received those degrees in
Charleston in the sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection, then established in that
city.

That
when the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem was established in Charleston,
February 20, 1788, Joseph Myes, one of the Deputy-Inspectors who established
it, deposited in the Archives certified Copies of the degrees of Royal and
Select Masters from Berlin in Prusia, to serve for the future guidance and
government of that new body.

That
from 1788, the Grand Officers and Supreme Council of Inspectors-General, at
Charleston, had been steadily in the habit of conferring these degrees; and in
1828, numbers of councils of Select Masters were acting under their authority
in the Southern and Western States.

"The
Committee had seen and perused the first copy of those degrees that ever came
to America, and old copies of Charters that had been returned by Councils, in
States where Grand Councils had been formed, and Charters obtained from such
Grand Councils.

And
the Committee reported, that these degrees had been under regular and
independent Masonic protection and authority for more than forty-six years,
and were so circumstanced in the United States, at a period long prior to the
establishment of Grand or General Grand Royal Arch Chapters, or even of
Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, in any part of the world; and that the Grand
Chapter of South Carolina ought to avoid all collision with contemporary
Masonic jurisdictions, regularly established, and much longer in existence
than their own; and so reported a formal resolution (which the Grand Chapter
unanimously adopted) that it was 'improper and inexpedient to assume a
jurisdiction over the said degrees, and thus to interfere with the rights and
privileges of our brethren in another and higher order of Freemasonry.'

"Of
the Illustrious brothers Myers, Spitzer and Forst, that Committee said, 'the
above named three respectable Brethren and Companions are, and steadily have
been, Members and Officers of the said Council of Princes of Jerusalem.

Their
evidence therefore, must be conclusive upon these points.'

"The
same Committee (Royal Arch Masons, be it observed, and a Committee of a Royal
Arch Chapter, enquiring into its own jurisdiction) said of the Brothers and
Companions, Dr. F. Dalcho, Dr. Isaac Auld, Dr. James Moultrie, Senior, and
Moses C. Levy, Esq., who received these degrees in Charleston in 1783, from
the sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection: 'Three of the above named Brothers are
still living, venerable for their years and warm attachment to the glorious
cause of Freemasonry, and highly respected and esteemed for their standing in
the community where they have so long honorably sojourned, and they are still
members of the same Sublime Body.' There is still further testimony to be
adduced. The report to the Grand Chapter, which we have quoted, was made by
Compn. Moses Holbrook, its Chairman, and unanimously adopted; the Grand
Chapter thus affirming, the veracity of the Masonic Witnesses, whose testimony
was adduced.

In
1830 the same Compn., Holbrook, was M.'. P.'. Grand Commander of the Supreme
Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 33 degree for the
Southern jurisdiction of the United States at Charleston.

"In
February, A.I. 2383, the M.'. E.'. G.'. High-Priest of the Grand Chapter of
South Carolina, John H. Honour, who was then and still is (1853) M.'. P.'.
W.'. Commander of the Sup.'. Council, S.'. G.'. I.'. G.'. of 33 degree, for
the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States at Charleston, stated in his
address to the Grand Chapter, that he had in his possession a manuscript copy
of the degrees of the Royal and Select Masters, in which there was a note in
the handwriting of Brother Holbrook dated March 15, 1830, in these words:

In
Brother Snell's book is written the following:

"'Supreme Council Chamber, Charleston, S. C., 10th Feb., 1827.

"'I
hereby certify that the detached degrees, called Royal and Select Master, or
Select Masters of 27, were regularly given by the Sublime Grand Lodge of
Perfection (No. 2 in the U.S.A.), established by Brother Isaac Da Costa, in
Charleston, in Feb., 1783, one of the original Members of which Most
Illustrious Brother Moses C. Levy, is still alive and a Member of it to this
day, without ceasing to be so for a day; and further, that at the first
establishment of a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, in Charleston,
February, 1788, by the III.'. Dep.'. Inspectors General, Joseph Myers, B. M.
Spitzer, and A. Forst, Brother Myers (who succeeded Brother Da Costa after his
decease) deposited a certified copy of the Degrees from Berlin, in Prussia, to
be under the guidance and fostering protection of the government of the above
Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem.'

"Brother Myers shortly after this (Feb. 20, 1788,) resided some time in
Norfolk, Richmond, and Baltimore, previous to his removal to Europe, and he
communicated a knowledge of these degrees to a number of brethren in those
cities.

The
original copy is still in my keeping, and agreeably to the obligations of the
same, and the Grand Constitutions governing those degrees, viz. : Royal and
Select Mason Of 27, it is correct and lawful to give them either to Sublime
Masons, who have arrived to the Knights of the Ninth Arch (13th) or to the
Companions of the 3d Arch (Royal Arch Masons)."

From
this statement, of those who held the control originally, it will be observed
that it was the design, always, to confer, at least the Select degree, only on
those who had a knowledge of the Royal Arch degree; hence to impart the
mysteries of the Ninth Arch to anyone "beneath the dignity of the Royal Arch,"
was to invert the true order of succession, so essential in all Masonic
degrees.

It has
been asserted by some that the Cryptic degrees had been worked in this country
earlier than 1783; as early perhaps as 1766 in the city of Albany, and that
they were brought from France, and not from Prussia.

Brother Pike said in his report: (1)

"We
can soon learn how it was that the Council degrees came about 1766 from France
and not from Prussia.

In
1761, the lodges and Councils of the superior degrees being extended
throughout Europe, Frederic II. (or the Great), King of Prussia, as Grand
Commander of the Order of Princes of the Royal Secret, or 32d degre, was by
general consent acknowledged and recognized as Sovereign and Supreme Head of
the Scotch Rite."

"On
the 25th October, 1762, the Grand Masonic Constitutions

(1)
"History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 649.

were
finally ratified in Berlin, and proclaimed for the government of all Masonic
bodies working in the Scotch Rite over the two hemispheres; and in the same
year they were transmitted to Stephen Morin, who had been appointed, in
August, 1761, Inspector General for the New World by the Grand Consistory of
Princes of the Royal Secret, convened at Paris, under the presidency of
Chaillon de Joinville, representative of Frederic, and Substitute-General of
the Order.

It
will be remembered that the 33 degree was not then created; and, under
Frederic the Great, there was no rank higher than the 32 degree, nor any body
superior to a Consistory.

When
Morin arrived in the West Indies, he, agreeably to his patent, appointed M.

Hayes
a Deputy Inspector General, with the power of appointing others when
necessary.

It was
under this authority, coming, it is true, from the Consistory of Paris held by
that consistory as the delegate and representative of Frederic the Great, that
the Lodges of Perfection in Albany and Charleston were established, with
authority to confer these detached degrees."

"Many
rites flourished in Europe awhile and died.

The
French and Scotch Rites reduced the degrees practiced by their votaries, the
former to seven, the Seventh being the Rose Croix, the latter to thirty-three
and some auxiliary degrees.

By
common consent it became Masonic law that the first three degrees were the
joint property of all, but the others, the peculiar property of the inventors.

Royal
Arch Masonry separated itself from 'Blue' Masonry, organized itself, invented
three new degrees, and commenced an independent existence.

The
Royal and Select Masters formed themselves into councils, and after a time
they, too, organized themselves into Grand Councils, and claimed an
independent existence.

The
Supreme Council did not deny the right, but simply retained their original
right to confer the degrees, and Charter councils in States where no Grand
Councils have been organized."

The
following is a copy of a decree issued by the Supreme Council A.'. A.'.

A.'.
S.'. Rite of the Northern jurisdiction, the true copy of which was sent to the
Southern jurisdiction and was presented to the writer many years since by
General Albert Pike.

"The
Supreme Grand Council of Sov. Grand Inspectors General for the Northern
Masonic District and jurisdiction of the U. States of America duly, lawfully,
and constitutionally assembled on the 10th day of June, 1850, at its Grand
East, the City of New York, in its Supreme Grand Council of Princes of
Jerusalem do declare and make known as follows:

"That
in addition to the regular series of degrees and order of the ancient and
accepted rite, the said rite had, from time immemorial, been in possession of,
and claims as its exclusive property, a number of detached degrees which are
illustrative of, connected with, and necessarily appendant to certain degrees
in said right or departments thereof: and that the Supreme Grand Council, as
the sole conservators of said rite, in said Northern Jurisdiction, is sacredly
bound to preserve intact and free from any amalgamation with foreign rites or
Masonic Bodies, not acknowledged by us or our said rite, all and every one of
the detached degrees referred to.

"That
two of such detached degrees, called 'Royal Master' and 'Select Master,' or
'Select Masons of 27,' having in various ways and at different times fallen
into the hands of persons in no way connected with the sublime system of free
Masonry, or the said 'ancient and accepted rite,' have been and are now
cultivated in a garbled form, by bodies styling themselves Masonic, and
working under self-assumed powers and authority in this regard, claiming the
right to grant charters to confer them; and, moreover, that these degrees, in
some places of this jurisdiction, have become amalgamated with a Modern
American rite, and are also claimed as the property of the American Royal Arch
Chapters.

"This
Supreme Grand Council therefore, as in duty bound, protests against this
invasion of its rights and privileges, and further declares and makes known
that the said degrees of Royal and Select Master, from their nature or
character, and the history they develop, and circumstances upon which founded,
can not, except in an anachronistic and improper manner be conferred
disconnected from the ineffable degrees, and lodges of perfection (14th degree
ancient and accepted rite) and that said degrees belong not only
characteristically and historically, but legitimately, to 'Ineffable Masonry'
and 'Lodges of Perfection,'and do not appertain and can not consistently and
lawfully be made an appendage to any Masonic system except said 'Sublime
System,' nor to any rite except said 'ancient and accepted rite.'

"And
whereas, such assumed authority over the detached degrees aforesaid, may, as
we have reason to believe in some instances, have been exercised in good
faith, but without a due appreciation of our rights and prerogative in regard
to them, this Supreme Grand Council for the sake of harmony is willing to
confer and advise with our illustrious Brethren, the Southern Supreme Grand
Council at Charleston, S. Carolina, and act in concert with them in adopting
such measures in reference to those degrees, as may be mutually adjudged most
feasible and proper, without infringing in any way whatever upon our Supremacy
over the said degrees.

The
Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction held to the same contention until
at a meeting of the Supreme Council at Baltimore, May, 1870, they surrendered
all claim to these degrees.

Dr.
Olivar, in his Historical Landmarks, (1) gives an account of the legend of the
Secret Vault as discovered in the construction of theSecond Temple, as
follows:

"The
foundations of the Temple were opened, and cleared from the accumulation of
the rubbish, that a level might be procured for the commencement of the
building.

While
engaged in excavations for this purpose three fortunate sojourners are said to
have discovered our ancient stone of foundation, which had been deposited in
the secret crypt by Wisdom, Suength, and Beauty, to prevent the communication
of ineffable secrets to profane or unworthy persons.

"The
discovery having been communicated to the prince, (2)

(1)
Vol. ii., p. 434.

(2)
Zerubbabel was Tirshatha (Governor).

prophet and priest of the Jews, the stone was adopted as the Chief
Corner-Stone of the re-edified building, and thus became, in a new and more
expressive sense, the type of a more excellent dispensation.

An
avenue was also accidentally discovered, supported by seven pairs of pillars,
perfect and entire, which, from their situation, had escaped the fury of the
flames that had consumed the Temple, and the desolation of war that had
destroyed the city.

"The
Secret Vault, which had been built by Solomon as a secure depository for
certain secrets that would have inevitably been lost without some such
expedient for their preservation, communicated by a subterranean avenue with
the King's palace; but at the destruction of Jerusalem, the entrance having
been closed by the rubbish of falling buildings, it had been discovered by the
appearance of a keystone among the foundations of the Sanctum Sanctorum.

A
careful inspection was then made, and the invaluable secrets were placed in
safe custody."

Brother Mackey says: (1)

"To
support this legend there is no historic evidence and no authority except that
of the Talmudic writers.

It is
clearly a mythical symbol, and as such we must accept it.

We can
not altogether reject it, it is so intimately and so extensively connected
with the symbolism of the Lost and recovered Word, that if we reject the,
theory of the Secret Vault we must abandon all of that symbolism, and with it
the whole of the science of Masonic symbolism.

Fortunately there is ample evidence in the present appearance of Jerusalem and
its subterranean topography to remove from any tacit, and as it were,
conventional assent to the theory, features of absurdity and impossibility.

"Considered simply as a historic question, there can be no doubt of the
existence of immense vaults beneath the superstructure of the original Temple
of Solomon.

Prime,
Robinson, and other writers, who in recent times have described the topography
of Jerusalem, speak of the existence of these structures, which they visited,
and, in some instances, carefully examined." Dr. Barclay (City of the Great
King) describes in many places of his interesting topography of Jerusalem, the
vaults and subterranean chambers which are to be found beneath the site of the
Old Temple.

(1) "EncycIopoedia
of Freemasonry," p. 852.

"In
the earliest ages the cave or vault was deemed sacred.

The
first worship was in cave-temples, which were either natural or formed by art
to resemble the excavations of nature.

"The
vault was, in the ancient mysteries, symbolic of the grave; for initiation was
symbolic of death, where alone Divine Truth is to be found.

The
Masons have adopted the same idea.

They
teach that death is but the beginning of life; that if the first or evanescent
temples of our transitory life be on the surface, we must descend into the
Secret Vault of death before we can find that sacred deposit of truth which is
to adorn our second temple of eternal life.

It is
in this sense an entrance through the grave into eternal life, that we are to
view the symbolism of the Secret Vault.

Like
every other myth and allegory of Masonry, the historical relation may be true,
or it may be false; it may be founded on fact, or be the invention of
imagination, the lesson is still there, and the symbolism teaches it,
exclusive of the history."

The
above quotations; have been made because the present writer had devoted many
years to the study of the topography of Jerusalem and its immediate vicinity
in connection with his studies in the various Masonic rites which locate their
mysteries in that city and in and about the Temple area now called Harem-esh
Sheriff. His conclusions are that not a single degree in Masonry can properly
be located near the city of Jerusalem nor on or in the "Sacred Area" of the
Temple.

So far
as the caves or cisterns which are to be found under the surface of the "Area"
at the present day did give a key to those who formulated the Cryptic degrees,
he feels assured that the originators of those degrees did have some knowledge
of their existence - but with accurate maps of that "Area" and the location of
every vault or cistern before us, furnished by the accurate survey of Captain
Chas. Warren in 1867, we could not for one moment entertain the belief that
such a system of vaults or arches ever existed there, as described in our
lectures of any of the Rituals - but we do believe that these rituals, being
symbolic and allegorical, were founded upon the fact of vaults found in that
locality.

We can
refer to the legend of Enoch and his vaults, erected to conceal the sacred
delta, constructed by him and his son Methuselah, after the ineffable NAME of
Deity had been revealed to him, and which name he had engraved upon the delta,
which by the command of God, he was to conceal and secure, for future
generations to discover.

These
vaults, nine of them, were securely constructed, and two pillars were erected,
and placed near, with inscriptions to indicate the locality of the vaults.

It is
possible that the pillars were destroyed and carried away by the flood.

The
fable further states that when King Solomon commenced the preparation of the
ground on Mount Moriah for the temple, his workmen broke into these vaults and
found certain mysterious things there; and upon reporting to King Solomon what
they had found, he directed them to cease their labors, as he supposed the
vault had been a secret place for the worship of the gods of the original
inhabitants of Canaan.

God,
however, notified him in a dream that he should proceed; as he had designed
that spot for the erection of the Temple for his worship, as it had been
thrice dedicated, first by Enoch when he constructed the vaults and made the
deposits of these mysterious emblems - second, on this spot Abraham erected
the altar to sacrifice his son Isaac (1) - and third, by his father David,
where he erected the altar on the threshing floor of Arauna and sacrificed to
stay the hand of the destroying Angel. (2)

There
is no doubt whatever in the mind of the writer but that the inventors of the
degrees above the three original degrees - such as the Royal Arch and Select,
designed to demonstrate to the postulant the value of the great and now
ineffable and mysterious name of Deity.

It is
well known to all students of the ancient mysteries of the Orient that after
the initiation of a candidate in the lower mysteries, and a certain period
having elapsed, by many severe tests, lustrations by the four elements and
trials, he was invested with the great WORD in a very solemn and mysterious
manner, by the Archi-Magus, who alone could communicate this word to the
postulant.

In
receiving this word, was conveyed to him by its interpretation, the meaning of
all the preceding ceremonies.

Those
who arranged the series of degrees as above mentioned, from the Entered
Apprentice to the Select Master, designed that in the last degree there should
be a full explanation of all that which was concealed in the various forms and
ceremonies, and in our present lectures in that degree it is very evident that
such was the design

(1)
Gen., ch. xxii.

(2) 1.
Chron., ch. xxi., verses 25 to 27.

sign
of closing the Ancient Craft Masonry with the Select of Twenty-seven, "to pass
the Circle of Ancient Craft Masonry."

GENERAL GRAND COUNCIL.

In
187I the Grand Council of Massachuseas undertook the task of bringing mder out
of the disordered condition of the Cryptic Rite in the United States, and
having enlisted the valuable services of our most distinguished Companion,
Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, of Maine, (1) who, in compliance with their request,
called a convention, and fourteen Grand Councils were represented at the
meeting in New York City, June 12, 1872, at which the following was adopted:

"Whereas, In some jurisdictions the question has been mooted of surrendering
the Cryptic Degrees to the Chapters; and

"Whereas, There are many Companions who have received the degrees in Chapters
or from Sovereign Inspectors of A.'.A.'.S.'. Rite, therefore

"Resolved, That it is the sense of this Convention that the Cryptic degrees
should be under the exclusive jurisdiction of Grand Councils, and that no one
should be recognized as a regular Companion of the Rite who had not received
the degrees in a lawfully constituted Council or by authority of the Supreme
Council of the A.'.A.'.S.'. Rite previous to the date, or has been lawfully
healed."

The
convention adopted a uniform system of nomenclature, which has since been
generally adopted.

In
June, 1873, another meeting of the Convention was held in New York and
nineteen Grand Councils were represented.

The
following was adopted:

"That
the order of the succession of the degrees be: First, Royal Master's; second,
Select Master's; and that it be left optional with each Grand Council to
confer the super-excellent Master's degree as an honorary degree."

The
convention announced as its opinion that a General Grand Council of the United
States should be formed. Subsequently meetings were held, December, 1874, in
New Orleans; August, 1877, in Buffalo, N.Y.; at which latter meeting
twenty-two Grand Councils were represented, and also Ontario, Canada.

The
convention

(1)
Drummond, "History of Grard Council in United States," p. 89, in the Cryptic
Rite

met at
Detroit, August 23, 1880, when a constitution was adopted which it was
required should be adopted by not less than nine regular Grand Councils, and
then should become operative.

The
General Grand Recorder, George W. Cooley, gave notice, February 23, 1881, that
the Grand Councils of New York, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Tennessee,
Massachusetts, Alabama, and Louisiana had ratified the constitution.

On
March 1, 1881, Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, General Grand Master, issued his
circular to the officers, and also announced that the Grand Council of South
Carolina had adopted the constitution. (1) The first sesion was held pursuant
to this circular, at Denver, Col., August 14, 1883, and the following Grand
Councils were represented: California, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana,
Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, New
York, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont. (Forever blessed be their
memory.) Of those seventeen who originally acceded to the first formation of
the provisional General Grand Council, in 1880, these were absent: Georgia and
Alabama; and South Carolina had since given her adhesion.

Alabama, having been with the seventeen Grand Councils to join in the
formation of the provisional General Grand Council in 1880, was never
represented at any subsequent assembly.

We
will now, in a more regular manner, give the history of the formation of the
General Grand Council.

The
General Grand Council of the United States was organized at a convention of
delegates of seventeen Grand Councils which met at Detroit, Mich., August 23,
1880.

The
action of this convention was at once approved by the following Grand
Councils: New York, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Tennessee,
Massachusetts, Alabama, and Louisiana.

South
Carolina Grand Council soon thereafter organized, and ratified the
constitution of the General Grand Council and resumed work.

In the
address of the General Grand Master, Josiah H. Drummond, at the first
Triennial Assembly, held at Denver, Col., August 14, 1883, he states: "At the
time of the formation of the provisional General Grand Council there were
twenty-three Grand Councils, which had not adopted the 'Mississippi Plan.'

Of the
other six, five continue to exist, but have not become constituents of this
body, viz., Connecticut, Michigan, New jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Some
of these, however, have the matter under consideration.

It is
understood why Connecticut has not given her adhesion is, the law of this
body, that persons receiving the degrees in Chapters, or in Councils
appurtenant to Chapters, can not be recognized.

"The
remaining one of twenty-three, North Carolina, at its session held in June
last undertook to dissolve and turn the degrees over to the Chapter.

While
this occasions regret, it is no matter of surprise, because Royal Arch Masonry
is at an exceedingly low ebb in that State, and it sometimes seems a matter of
doubt whether the Grand Chapter itself will be able to maintain its existence.

"Grand
Councils at the advent of the 'Mississippi Plan' existed in other States, as
follows: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, South
Carolina, and Wisconsin.

All of
which accepted in some form the general features of the 'Mississippi Plan.'

"The
Grand Councils of Arkansas, Illinois, and Kentucky have reorganized, but have
not as yet ratified and adopted the General Grand Constitution.

The
Grand Council of Illinois never formally dissolved, but maintained its
existence and undertook to surrender the degrees to the Grand Chapter; this
action had been rescinded by both grand bodies, and the Grand Council now
exists with all its powers, and I trust with its pristine vigor." (2)

We
have followed thus far the history of the Cryptic Rite as given by Companion
Josiah H. Drummond in his address to the General Grand Council at the first
Triennial Assembly, three years after the inauguration of that body.

He
further stated the following Grand Councils had taken no definite action,
viz., Iowa and Nebraska.

Mississippi had taken action in reference to the over-whelming sentiment of
the Craft, which looks toward reorganizing the Grand Council System.

The
situation in Wisconsin is anomalous; the Grand Council surrendered the degrees
to the Grand Chapter,

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Council, 1883, p. 7.

(2)
Ibid., General Grand Master's Address.

which
authorized the conferring of them in a council appurtenant to a chapter, (1)
so that in theory, if not in practice, each chapter had a council appurtenant
to it, the chapter officers being the officers of the council.

But in
1881, in consequence, as I understand, of objections to the recognition of
persons receiving the degrees in such councils, a convention of the delegates
of these councils was called, and a Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters
was organized. (2)

We
have given the above very interesting information as to the several States
wherein the Cryptic Rite was worked in this place rather than in the separate
individual jurisdictions, as it greatly saves space and time, reserving both
of these for the details property belonging to each subordinate jurisdiction
as to the organization of the constituent councils in each, as it will appear
under the alphabetical arrangement.

Note.
- Companion Drummond in the above sketch begins with Alabama, but that Grand
Council never appears in any subsequent proceedings as a constituent of the
General Council.

Alabama.

The
information which we have been enabled to obtain concerning Cryptic Masonry in
Alabama is somewhat vague.

It is
supposed that John Barker, of the A.'.A.'.S.'. R.'. Southern Jurisdiction,
started the first councils of Royal and Select Masters, under his authority as
Deputy Inspector-General.

It is
conceded that a Grand Council was organized in 1838 (December 13th).

(3)
This Grand Council repudiated, very properly, the course of the Grand Chapter
of Virginia, in capturing the degrees of the council, and incorporating them
with the chapter work, in 1843.

The
council also, in 1849, protested against the Grand Consistory of Charleston
granting (of) these degrees in its jurisdiction. (4)

This
Grand Council met, with some omissions, as in 1840, 1861, 1862 or 1863, until
in 1886 it was dissolved, when all branches of Masonry in that State were much
depressed. Since then, however, matters have greatly improved.

This
Grand Council was never connected with the General Grand Council after 1881,
although one of the first to join in the organization in 1880.

(1)
Charters issued to chapters in 1848-49 provided for this usage.-EDITOR.

(2)
Ibid.

(3)
"History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 661. (4) Ibid.

Arizona.

The
proceedings of the Triennial assembly of the General Grand council of 1897
show that the following councils secured their warrants

Four
subordinate councils were, at an early date, chartered by the Supreme Council
A.'. A.'. S.'. R.'. of the Southern Jurisdiction.

These
four councils were formed by the State Grand Council, November 6, 1860.

In
1878 the Companions adopted the system of incorporation with the chapters; but
in 1881 resumed the independent form; and in 1886 united with the General
Grand Council, and is yet within that organization.

On the
25th of April, 1899, they had the sad misfortune to lose their Grand Recorder
Companion James A. Henry.

California.

The
Grand Council of Alabama granted charters to organize two councils in
California.

One
council was chartered by the Grand Council of Tennessee, and one by the Grand
Council of Texas. These four councils organized a Grand Council, June 26,
1860. In 1880 this Grand Council united with the General Grand Council in its
organization.

Colorado.

The
following councils were organized in Colorado under the General Grand Council
:

Dispensation Granted.

Chartered.

Denver, No. 1........Denver, January 16, 1892. August 21, 1894.

Rocky
Mountain, No. 2 Trinidad, March 24, 1893 August 21, 1894.

Durango, No. 3........Durango, May 16, 1893.

August
21, 1894.

Akron,
No. 4..........Akron, May 23, 1893.

August
21, 1894.

Canon
City, No. 5.....Canon City, June 5, 1893 August 21, 1894.

Gunnison, U.D.........Gunnison.

Pueblo, No. 7.........Pueblo, April 10, 1894

August
21, 1894.

All of
these councils are reported as being in existence at the Triennial held in
1897. At that session the General Grand Master reported that he had issued
dispensations as follows :

To
Hiram Council, at Greely, with sixteen members, December 8, 1894; but no
interest being taken, the dispensation was surrendered, December 9, 1896.

To
Zabud Council, at Colorado Springs, with thirty-two members, May 27, 1895.

This
council made reports for 1895, 1896, and 1897; paid dues for 1895 only, and
asked for a Charter; but does not appear in the list of councils whose
dispensations were continued; nor was it chartered.

To
Leadville Council, at Leadville, June 10, 1895, and dispensation was
surrendered, November 10, 1896.

Hiram,
U. D., Greely, December 8, 1894, and surrendered.

Zabud,
U. D., Colorado Springs, May 27, 1895, and continued.

Leadville, U. D., Leadville, June 10, 1895, surrendered.

Connecticut.

In
1818 Companion Jeremy L. Cross was very industrious in propagating the Cryptic
Rite, and succeeded in forming ten councils in Connecticut.

The
first Grand Council of Select Masters for the State was organized by that name
as claimed.

There
are no records of this body up to 1830. In 1825 the two degrees of Royal and
Select Masons were recognized.

From
1826 to 1846, in consequence of the Morgan episode, very little if anything
was done in this as well as other branches of Masonry.

Since
the revival, in all the States where the anti-Masonic spirit had prevailed,
Masonry has taken a "new and prolonged lease," and flourishes to a much
greater degree than ever before in its history.

The
sons and grandsons of the bitterest anti-Masons of 1830 are now the most
zealous in their efforts to spread abroad the glad tidings of peace on earth
and good-will toward men."

Connecticut Grand Council does not belong to the General Grand Council, which
is much to be regretted.

The
benefits of her union with that body would be mutual.

Delaware.

It is
said that Jeremy L. Cross, when on his lecturing tour in the early days,
visited Delaware and conferred the degrees in Wilmington and Newcastle. We
have no funher information from that State.

District of Columbia.

The
Cryptic degrees are first mentioned, in the history of Masonic degrees in the
District of Columbia, in the records of the Grand Chapter which was organized
in 1822.

At the
Semi-Annual Convocation held June 9, 1829, the report of the Committee on
Correspondence refers to a circular letter which had been sent by the Grand
Chapter of Maryland to each Grand Chapter in the United States; which is as
follows: (1)

"M.E.
Sir and Companion:

"I am
instructed by the Grand Chapter over which I have the honor to preside, to
address you, and through you your Grand Chapter, upon the unsettled state of
the degree of Select Mason, a subject deemed by us of sufficient importance to
claim the particular attention of your Grand Chapter.

"This
degree existed under the authority of a distinguished Chief in the State of
Maryland, but without the recognizance of our Grand Chapter for many years;
until, in the year 1824, upon the revision of our Constitution, it appearing,
evident that the Select Degree not only has an intimate connection with, but
is in a measure necessary, as preparatory to and elucidatory of that of the
Royal Arch; it was formally recognized by our Grand Chapter, and required to
be given by our subordinate Chapters in its proper order immediately preceding
that of the Royal Arch.

Under
this arrangement we have since progressed, much to our satisfaction; but it is
with regret that we have learned that Councils or Chapters of Select Masons
have been established in some of our sister States, independent of Royal Arch
Masonry, avowedly in pursuance of, but, as we are satisfied, through a great
mistake or actual abuse of any authority delegated, or meant to be delegated,
in relation to the Select Degree.

We
would, therefore, beg leave respectfully to

(1)
Proceedings of Grand Chapter of District of Columbia, 1822-1833, p.

108.

recommend to your Grand Chapter the consideration of this degree, and the
circumstances under which it exists, within your jurisdiction; with the hope
that you will see it to be for the general interest of the Craft to take the
degree under your recognizance and control, to whom of right it belongs, and
thereby do away with what is felt to be a grievance, by those distinguished
Chiefs, whose authority, delegated to a limited extent, and for special
reasons, has been perveaed for sordid purposes, by the creation of an
independent order, never contemplated by them; and which we believe to be
inconsistent with the spirit and best interests of our institution.

"Respectfully and fraternally, &c."

This
was never officially communicated to the Grand Chapter of the District of
Columbia by the Grand Chapter of Maryland, but was taken from the printed
proceedings of that body, pp. 15, 16, and 17.

That
committee also reported: "The Grand Chapter of North Carolina had determined
that the degree should come under the jurisdiction of State Grand Chapters,
and recommended it to the favorable consideration of the General Grand
Chapter.

The
Grand Chapter of Maine had referred the subject to a Committee.

It
remains for the Grand Chapter to take such orders in the premises as it shall
seem proper."

The
Grand Chapter of Ohio has passed a resolution of which the following is a
copy, and which has officially been communicated to this Grand Chapter for its
consideration. "At a regular communication of the Grand Chapter [of Ohio] in
January, 1829, the following resolution was adopted:

"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Grand Chapter that the General Grand
Chapter of the United States ought to be dissolved.

"BELA
LATHAM, "Grand Secretary."

A
committee to whom the subject was referred reported: (2)

"That
they are decidedly of the opinion that the Royal and Select Master's Degrees
should be recognized by and conferred under the direction of the several Grand
Chapters of the respective States and Territories of the Union.

With
regard to the proper time when

(1)
Proceedings of Grand Chapter of District of Columbia, p. 109.

(2)
Ibid., 113.

these
degrees should be conferred, whether before or after the Royal Arch Degree,
they decline expressing an opinion, preferring that this point should bc left
to the determination of the General Grand Chapter; and they recommend that the
representatives from this Grand Chapter to that body, at its Triennial
meeting, in September, be instructed to conform in their proceedings on this
subject, to the tenor of the foregoing." This was laid on the table for the
present.

When
taken up again, it was "Resolved, That the further consideration thereof be
postponed till the first Tuesday in August next; and that in the meantime the
Grand Secretary be directed to forward a copy of the report this day made on
that subject to the several Councils of Royal and Select Masters in the
District of Columbia." (1)

At the
special convocation, held August 31, 1829, the following appears: Companion
Baldwin, from a committee appointed by the Council of Royal and Select Masters
of the City of Washington (which body had been addressed on the subject by the
Grand Secretary, pursuant to order) presented to the Grand Chapter the
following letter and report, viz. : (2)

"WASHINGTON, August 31, 1829.

At a
special meeting of the Council of Royal and Select Masters, held at the
Central Masonic Hall, on Saturday, the 29th of August, instant, the written
report having been presented and read, was, on motion, ordered to be
transmitted to the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia at their next
meeting.

"JOHN
CAROTHERS, T.I.G.M.

W.W.
BiLLINGS, Recorder."

Report.

"The
Committee appointed by the Council of Royal and Select Masters of the City of
Washington, to whom was referred the propriety of extending the jurisdiction
of the General, Grand, and Subordinate Royal Arch Chapters so as to embrace
the Degrees of Royal and Select Masters, have the honor to report :

"That
they have had the subject under consideration, and are duly impressed with its
vast importance.

After
the most mature deliberation they have corne to the following conclusions:
That Masonic light in its principles, and the order of its development, is
fixed and unchangeable ! That whatever power the Fraternity may

(1)
Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia, p. 115.

(2)
Ibid., 119.

have
over forms and ceremonies, yet no body of Masons, however exalted, neither
have nor can assume the power of changing the original landmarks, or altering
its clements.

Your
committee are confident, from an intimate acquaintance with all the degrees,
that those of 'Royal and Select Master' are not only posterior in order to the
'Royal Arch,' but that in our opinion it would not be consistent with ancient
Masonry to make them previous.

"Whether the interests of the Craft would be promoted by this extended
jurisdiction, your Committee are unable to say; but should that course be
thought advisable, by the General Grand Chapter, in its solemn deliberation,
your Committee are decidedly of the opinion that it can only be done under the
following restrictions:

"1st.
That the Degrees of Royal and Select Masters can only be conferred on Royal
Arch Masons.

"2d.

No one
can be an officer of any Chapter who is not both a Royal and Select Master.

"Without these restrictions your Committee can never consent to a change in
the present established mode of proceeding. (1)

"All
of which is most respectfully submitted.

"E.
BALDWIN, "W.W. BILLINGS,

Committee." "J.A. KENNEDY,

The
report of a committee made in June last on the subject of the degree was taken
up and read, and was passed by a majority of one vote only, and on motion it
was

"Resolved, That the Grand Secretary transmit to the General Grand Secretary
copies of the two reports above stated, together with the proper credentials
of the proxies appointed to represent this Grand Chapter in the General Grand
Chapter of the United States, at its ensuing meeting in New York; and that the
Grand Secretary do prepare the proper instructions."

At the
meeting of the General Grand Chapter, September 11, 1829, the question came up
for action on a communication from Comp. J.K. Stapleton, upon which a suitable
committee made the following report, and it and the resolutions were adopted:

"Whereas, It is satisfactorily proved to this General Grand Chapter, that the
Constitution of the Councils of Royal and Select

(1)
Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of District of Columbia, p. 120.

Master
Mason, in different parts of the United States, by sundry persons, has been
without any legitimate authority,

"And
Whereas, Those degrees are conferred in some chapters, under the authority of
the General Grand Chapter; and whereas it was proved that it was the only and
sole intention of the Most Excellent Companions from whom these degrees
emanated that they should be conferred under the authority of Royal Arch
Chapters; therefore,

"Resolved, That this General Grand Chapter cordially recommend to the
different Councils in the United States to adopt measures to place those
degrees under the authority of the State Grand Chapters.

"Resolved, That authority be, and is hereby, granted to the several Grand
Chapters, under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, to make such
arrangements as shall be found necessary for conferring the degrees of Royal
and Select Masters in Royal Arch Chapters; provided always that no Grand
Chapter, within the limits of which is a Grand Council, shall authorize the
Royal Arch Chapters under the jurisdiction to confer such degrees without the
consent of such Grand Council."

We
have no records or accounts whatever in the District of Columbia as to what
became of the "Council," or Councils, if more than one, which is referred to
above.

The
chapters in the District continued to confer the Royal and Select degrees
prior to the Royal Arch, until in 1833, when the Grand Chapter was dissolved.
Several of the chapters again joined the Grand Chapter of Maryland,

which
body, thereafter, in 1844, added to its nomenclature "the District of
Columbia," and the Council degrees were worked within the chapters prior to
the Royal Arch, until May 23, 1867, when the Grand Chapter of the District of
Columbia was again organized; and on that day, the new Grand Chapter, by
resolution, unanimously dropped those degrees from the curriculum of the
chapter work, being well satisfied that they did not properly belong to the
chapters. Soon after the organization of the Grand Chapter in 1867, Companion
Benjamin B. French, the Inspector-General of the Southern Jurisdiction for the
A.'.A.'.S.'.R.'., for the District of Columbia, issued three dispensations to
form three new councils of Royal and Select Masters, for the District of
Columbia.

Those
who had recoved those degrees in regular organized councils refused to join in
this movement.

Soon
after this, the question was agitated as to the legality and propriety of thus
inaugurating a new method of propagating the Cryptic degrees, and the result
was, these three councils went into "innocuous desuetude." When the time was
deemed judicious, the present writer, with eight others, who had been regular
Council Masons, prepared a petition to the Grand Council of Massachusetts for
a dispensation to open LaFayette Council.

This
was granted August, 1870, with the writer as Most Illustrious Master.

The
Grand Officers of the Grand Council of that State came to Washington and
opened LaFayette Council.

Inasmuch as the great body of Royal and Select Masons in the District had
received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in their several chapters
prior to the Royal Arch, it was decided that all such Royal Arch Masons, as
well as those who had never received the Council degrees, should be received
at a nominal price (five dollars) for those degrees.

Accordingly, in two nights sessions the Grand Officers conferred the Royal,
Select, and Super-excellent degrees upon 158 R.A. Masons.

A
Charter was granted December 14, 1870, and the council started with flying
colors and great success.

This
council continued with some measure of prosperity for several years, when from
internal dissensions the members lost their interest and in a few years ceased
to attend, and the council died out.

When
the General Grand Council of the United States was organized in 1881, the
present writer, after correspondence with Companion Josiah H. Drummond, the
General Grand Master, and a few members of the defunct body, petitioned for
another council to be called "Washington," with the principal officers of the
deceased LaFayette Council at the head. A dispensation was granted, and
started with good prospects.

At the
next meeting of the General Grand Council a Charter was granted.

Since
that time Washington Council, No. 1, has continued to grow, but not as rapidly
as she should.

Indeed, the District of Columbia should have several councils in prosperous
operation, and that, too, under the constitution of a Grand Council for the
District.

Florida.

The
Southern Supreme Council, exercising its undoubted right of control at that
time over the degrees of Royal and Select Masons, through some one of her
inspectors, perhaps in South Carolina, had, previous to 1858, issued at
different times warrants to form three councils in Florida.

The
present writer is personally aware of the one existing at Warrington,
adjoining the navy-yard at that locality, as he reported for duty as Chief
Constructing Engineer at that naval station February, 1857, and found a
thriving lodge, chapter, and council in full operation, and it was his great
pleasure to assist in the work in all of these bodies at that time.

January 13, 1858, these three councils organized a Grand Council, at the time
of the agitation of who should control these degrees.

After
much discussion the Grand Chapter of Florida declined to act.

The
Grand Council became a member of the General Grand Body.

There
have been no proceedings of the body issued since 1882, and there have been no
meetings since 1884. In the proceedings of the General Grand Council for 1897
there is a broad black mark across the page opposite to Florida, where the
Grand Recorder's name should have been, but in the tables of annual assemblies
from 1894 to 1896 Florida appears with names of the Grand Officers.

Georgia.

We
learn that one of the deputies of the Southern Supreme Council, Abram Jacobs,
conferred the degree of Select of Twenty-seven in the State of Georgia.

On May
2, 1826, a Grand Council was organized by the authority of the
Inspector-General of the Supreme Council, which is noticed in the publications
of that day.

June
25, 1841, three councils met, and a Grand Council was established by the
authority of the Supreme Grand Council of the 33 degree, in Charleston, S.C.
They adopted the constitution of the former Grand Council of 1826. That body,
having ceased to work, became dormant and the records were lost.

In the
revised constitution of 1842 they claimed to be the highest source of
legitimate Masonic authority in the State of Georgia, and of right ought to
have the government and superintendence of all councils of Royal and Select
Masters within its jurisdiction. (1) This Grand Council belongs to the General
Grand Council and is reported in the proceedings of 1897.

Idaho

A
council was organized in Idaho by a dispensation from the Officers of the
General Grand Council, viz., Idaho Council, No. 1, at Pocatillo, December 15,
1896 - which was annulled afterward; also a dispensation for Adoniram Council,
at Boise, January 30, 1896. Dispensation continued until next assembly.

Illinois

The
Grand Council of Kentucky having issued charters to several councils in the
State of Illinois, a Grand Council was organized March 10, 1854. In 1877 the
degrees wcre surrendered to the control of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons, notwithstanding that in 1854 it refused to heal Royal and Select
Masters who had been made in the chapters.

The
Grand Council, however, continued its annual sessions, its constituents being
composed of the mixture of regularly made Council Masters and those made in
the chapters.

This
did not prove satisfactory, and in 1882 the Grand Council and Grand Chapter
agreed to resume their old condition. Illinois Grand Council is an independent
Grand Body.

Indiana.

In the
State of Indiana the Council degrees were given in the chapter work.

After
the General Grand Chapter's decision, councils were chartered by the Grand
Councils of Kentucky and Ohio.

Chapter Royal and Select Masons were "healed" and the Grand Council of Indiana
was organized December 20, 1855.

Iowa.

When
Royal Arch Masonry was first planted in Iowa, the Council degrees were part of
the chapter work.

After
the decision of the General Grand Chapter, in regard to these degrees,
Companions were "healed" by the authority of the Grand Master of the

(1)
"History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 662.

Grand
Council of Illinois.

Charters were issued by that Grand Council to councils in Iowa, which
subsequently organized the Grand Council of Iowa, January 2, 1857. In 1878 the
Grand Council merged itself into the Grand Chapter of Iowa, nineteen councils
having been duly organized prior to that time.

To the
present day those degrees are merged into the chapter of Royal Arch.

Kansas.

Three
councils of Royal and Select Masters were chartered by the Grand Council of
Missouri, in the State of Kansas, and December 2, 1867, these three councils
organized a Grand Council of Royal Select and Super-excellent Masons.

Kentucky.

The
Select degree was carried into the State of Kentucky by J.L. Cross, when in
1817 he made his official tour through the Western States as General Grand
Lecturer of the General Grand Chapter.

December 10, 1827, six councils met by their delegates and organized a Grand
Council of the State, which is said to be the result of John Barker's efforts
in behalf of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction, A.'. A.'. S.'.
R.'. This jurisdiction felt the effects of the Morgan anti-Masonic period from
1830 to 1840, when the Grand Council met only once.

The
degrees were merged into the chapter from 1878 to 1881.

After
the organization of the General Grand Council the Grand Council of Kentucky
was re-organized.

Companion H.B. Grant, M.'. III.'. Gr.'. Master, in his annals mentions the
case of a Thrice Illustrious Master of a council who communicated the degrees
outside of a council, and who construed his obligation to mean that he could
not confer the degrees except in a council, but could communicate the degrees,
and so directed the record to be made as if conferred in a council.

This
was declared by the Grand Master to be irregular, and required recognition to
be refused until they were "healed" in open council.

The
Grand Council of Kentucky is an independent body.

Louisiana.

It is
stated that John Barker in 1827 organized Holland Council, No. 1, in New
Orleans, and in the "tableau" of the Grand Chapter of Louisiana in 1828 it is
referred to.

When
in or about 1850 Capitular Masonry was re-organized, Cryptic Masonry was also
revived.

Four
councils formed a Grand Council February 10, 1856.

One of
these was Holland, No. 1. The others had been chartered by the Grand Councils
of Kentucky and Alabama.

Maine

At an
early period a council had been organized in Maine, working under the General
Grand Chapter.

The
Grand Council of Massachusetts organized three councils, and these, by their
delegates, formed the Grand Council, May 3, 1855.

Maryland

In the
introduction of this history of the Cryptic Rite, the connection of Eckel and
Niles, as leaders at an early date, was noticed. (1) The Select degree was
then only recognized as an appendant to the regular curriculum of degrees of
the A.'. A.'. S.'. R.'. which was controlled by the Deputy Inspectors of that
rite.

This
was prior to 1800, and perhaps extended into the present century, as late as
the date of the certificate, or dispensation, given to Cross.

We
have seen, under District of Columbia, the steps which were taken, as eady as
1824 to incorporate these degrees with the chapter work and to precede the
Most Excellent Master's degree.

This
union of the Cryptic with the Capitular system continued until 1872, when, by
law, the Grand Chapter separated them.

Six
council after this (May 12, 1874) organized the present Grand Council of the
State, which became a member of the General Grand Council and so continues.

Massachusetts.

In
1817 a voluntary council of Royal Masters was organized by Benjamin Gleason
and others, and subsequently obtained the sanction of Columbian Council of New
York.

A
Select council was formed at Springfield, May 28, 1818, by J.L. Cross.

Six
councils, at different times, having been organized, their delegates met
February 8, 1826, and on June 15, 1826, completed the formation of a Grand
Council.

The
records of this body having been lost during

(1)
See pp. 1549, 1550.

A\
A\
SCOTTISH RITE

the
anti-Masonic period, nothing is known concerning these degrees until the
re-organization in 1847.

From
the year 1853 the Grand Council has met regularly and great prosperity has
followed.

It is
asserted that Hiram Council, at Worcester, with 1,070 members in 1897, is the
largest council of Royal and Select Masters in the world.

Michigan

The
Grand Council of Connecticut had chartered three councils in the State of
Michigan, and these, by their delegates, met in convention on January 13,
1858, and organized a Grand Council for the State.

In
1856 that Grand Council granted a Charter for a council at Detroit.

This
Grand Council is independent, and chapter - made Royal and Select Masons are
not in favor.

Minnesota

The
Grand Council of Iowa having chartered three councils in Minnesota, December
12, 1870, these three by their delegates organized a Grand Council.

The
council which had been chartered by the Grand Council of New York in 1855 soon
became dormant.

This
Grand Council is a member of the General Grand Council.

Mississippi

From
our careful exarnination into the early history of Cryptic Masonry in the
State of Mississippi, we find that John Barker, before mentioned as agent for
the Southern Supreme Council, established at Natchez, Miss., a Grand Council
of Princes of Jerusalem in 1829, which assumed the control of the Royal and
Select Master's degrees, and under the auspices of the Council of Princes of
Jerusalem seven councils were organized, and these by their delegates
organized a Grand Council January 19, 1856.

After
the close of the war, in 1865, a number of the councils having surrendered
their charters, and others having become dormant, the Grand Council, which had
assemtacd annually, in 1877 adopted a plan which became widely known as the
"Mississippi Plan," which provided:

"Each
Royal Arch Chapter shall hereafter open within its bosom, under its charter,
as a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a Council of Royal and Select Masters; the
officers of the Chapter corresponding in rank to those of the Council.

"All
the Royal Arch Masons who have not received the degrees of Royal Master and
Select Master shall be entitled to have the same conferred or communicated on
their request and without charge; but candidates who shall hereafter receive
the Royal Arch degree shall immediately thereafter, and in connection with the
Royal Arch degree, receive the degrees of Royal and Select Master without
additional charge."

The
Grand Council was dissolved, and this plan was adopted in many jurisdictions,
the General Grand Chapter having placed on record at Lexington, Ky., at the
meeting September 16, 1853, the following resolution :

"Resolved, That this General Grand Chapter and the governing bodies of Royal
Arch Masonry affiliated with, and holding jurisdiction under it, have no
rightful jurisdiction or control over the degrees of Royal and Select Master."

"Resolved, That this General Grand Chapter will hereafter entertain no
question or matter growing out of the government or working of these degrees
while in their present position." (1)

All of
the independent jurisdiction except Iowa, which adopted the Mississippi Plan,"
have rescinded the same and returned to the council organization.

In
1888 the Grand Council of Mississippi at its session that year adopted the
following :

"Resolved, That the Grand Royal Arch Chapter hereby releases control of the
Cryptic Degrees and recommends that the Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters resume its former jurisdiction of the degrees.

"That
Chapters are hereby prohibited from communicating and conferring the Cryptic
Degrees, recognizing the authority of the Grand Council in all matters
pertaining to said degrees." In February, 1888, the Grand Council of
Mississippi met, six of the officers being of those elected in 1877. Six
councils were represented.

At the
sixth triennial assembly of the General Grand Chapter, which met in Baltimore,
Md., October 11, 1897, the following paper was unanimously adopted :

"Whereas, The report of Companion Josiah H. Drummond as

(1)
Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter, 1856, p. 317.

chairman of the Committee on Correspondence of the Grand Council of Maine for
the year 1894, and the Address of Companion Frederic Speed, Grand Master of
the Grand Council of Mississippi for the year 1895, present facts that
conclusively show that a misunderstanding has existed in the minds of our
Companions in Mississippi for some years past, as to the attitude of General
Grand Council towards the Grand Council of Mississippi; therefore be it

"Resolved, That the General Grand Council, through its Grand Master, extend to
the Companions of the Grand Council of Mississippi its fraternal greetings and
its best wishes for the prosperity of the Cryptic Rite in Mississippi." (1)

Also
this minute appeared: "Most Illustrious Frederic Speed, Grand Master of the
Grand Council of Mississippi, was announced and received with the Grand
Honors, escorted to the East, and greeted by the Most Puissant Grand Master in
a happy and felicitous manner.

"Companion Speed thereupon addressed the General Grand Council in very
eloquent language; thanking the Puissant Grand Master for the cordiality of
his reception, etc.

The
above preamble and resolution was then read and Companion Speed spoke
feelingly as follows:

"'Most
Illustrious Sir and Companions:

"'When
I say that the reading of the resolution, which I have just heard, affords me
the most sincere satisfaction and pleasure, I but feebly voice the emotions of
my heart.

If I
know myself or the great-hearted men who comprise the Cryptic Masons of
Mississippi, I can honestly say that we have taken no pleasure in the long
estrangement which has unfortunately divided us, and I am sure they will
receive with no less happiness than I now do, the message of peace and good
will which come to us, through the action of this most illustrious Body.

Receive then, Sir, this right hand as a pledge, in their name, of
reconciliation and peace, given with a determination to forget the past, and
to strive in the bonds of friendship and brotherly love, with you, for the
upbuilding of the temple of the Lord, letting the past bury its dead, and
acting in the living present, heart within and God overhead.

Whom
God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." (2)

(1)
Proceedings General Grand Council, 1897, p. 79.

(2)
Ibid., p. 82.

Missouri,

It is
said by very good authority that Cross, in his tour through the West,
conferred the Select degree in Missouri; in what year is uncertain.

Also
it is said that the Royal degree was introduced as early as 1828.

In
1841 there were three councils in the State: one in St. Louis, one at Palmyra,
and where the other was located the present writer can not recollect. At that
time, 1841-42, he was in St. Louis and received the Royal and Select degrees
in Missouri Council, No. 1, at St. Louis, about the time the Grand Council
met.

Immediately after the Grand Council closed he wrote up and recorded the
transactions of the Grand Council.

These
bodies became extinct, as well as some councils which had been chartered by
the Grand Council of Kentucky.

May
21, 1864, the Grand Council was organized.

In
1848 the writer having gone to Independence to construct a local railroad,
found the Council degrees incorporated in the chapter by the Charter, to be
worked subsequent to the Royal Arch.

Montana.

The
following councils in Montana received dispensations from the General Grand
Council, viz.:

Glendive, at Glendive...........April 22, 1896.

Dispensation.

October 12, 1897.

Chartered.

Custer, at Miles City...........October 24, 1897. Dispensation,

Annulled.

Adoniram, at Livingston.........May 13, 1897.

Continued.

Mystic
at Bozeman...............May 20, 1897.

Continued.

Zabud,
No. 2, at Butte..........May 22, 1897.

October 12, 1897.

Montana, at Dillon..............October 24, 1897.

Annulled.

Deer
Lodge, at Deer Lodge.......June 10, 1897.

Annulled.

Anaconda, at Anaconda...........June 11, 1897.

Annulled.

Hellgate, at Missoula...........September 1, 1897

Continued.

Hiram,
at Kalispell.............September 2, 1897,

Annulled.

These
councils were all reported at the triennial of the Supreme Council in 1897.

Nevada.

The
following councils were organized by dispensations issued by the Grand
Officers of the General Grand Council for Nevada.

Dispensation.

Carson, at Carson................September 3, 1896.

Continued.

Mountain, at Virginia City.......September 4, 1896.

Continued.

Reno,
at Reno....................September, 1896.

Continued.

Eureka, at Eureka................September 21, 1896.

Continued.

These
were reported to the triennial of the General Grand Council in 1897.

New
Mexico

The
following, councils were granted dispensations, by the Officers of the General
Grand Council, for New Mexico, viz.

Deming, No. 1, at Deming............April 8, 1887.

November 19, 1889.

Las
Vegas, at Las Vegas.............March 16, 1895.

Annulled.

Santa
Fe, at Santa Fe...............May 1, 1895.

Continued.

Hiram,
at Albuquerque...............May 7, 1895.

Annulled.

Alpha,
at Raton.....................May 11, 1895.

Annulled.

Nebraska.

Omaha
Council was organized July 8, 1867, by a Charter from the Supreme Council of
the Southern Jurisdiction.

Two
other councils were chartered by the Grand Council of Kansas.

The
Grand Council was formed by the delegates of the above-mentioned three
councils, November 20, 1872.

In
1878 the councils adopted the "Mississippi Plan." In 1886 the Grand Council
was revived, and then afterward joined the General Grand Council, where she is
now.

New
Hampshire.

August
5, 1815, four Companions organized a council of Royal Masters at Hopkinton,
N.H. J.L. Cross, in 1819, instituted another council of Select Masons, at
Hopkinton; these two were united in 1822.

On
July 9, 1823, a Grand Council was formed.

During
the period from 1835 to 1855 the councils were dormant.

The
above two councils, Orphan and Columbian, after 1855 were revived, and
Adoniram Council, which had been chartered by the Grand Council of Connecticut
united and formed a Grand Council, June 11, 1862.

New
Jersey

Kane
Council, No. 11, was chartered by the Grand Council of New York; and two other
councils, viz., Scott, No. 13, at New Brunswick, and Gebal, No.

14, at
Tretiton, were chartered by the Grand Council of Pennsylvania.

These
three councils organized the Grand Council, November 26, 1860.

It has
always been an independent Grand Council.

New
York.

The
earliest time when we find any organization in the State of New York of the
Council degrees is September 10, 1810; at which time a meeting of Royal
Masters was held in St. John's Hall, in New York City, and a council of Royal
Masters was opened, with Companion Thomas Lowndes presiding; and it was
determined to organize a Grand Council to be called Columbian Council of Royal
Master Masons for the City of New York.

Thomas
Lowndes was elected and installed Thrice Illustrious Grand Royal Master.

Nineteen members, Royal Master Masons, were present.

It is
thought, and no doubt correctly so, that this was the very first council
formed, and was regarded as authority, as on the evening of December 6, 1817,
a petition was received from a council organized in Boston, asking the
sanction of Columbian Council for its formation.

This
was granted, and Benjamin Gleason was recognized as T.I.G.M. of the said new
council.

From
the records of Columbian Council it appears that a council of Knights of the
Round Table was convened, as also a Chapter of Illustrious Knights of the Holy
Order of the Garter, wherein Companions were installed Knights of the
Illustrious and Invincible Order of St. George of Cappadoci, by which latter
title the Order was sometimes known.

Thomas
Lowndes was annually elected T.I.G.R.M. from the organization, September 2,
1810, to July 9, 1820, and presided at every meeting.

Five
Companions received the degree of Superexcellent Master December 22, 1817.

There
is no record of the Select Master's degree earlier than November 25, 1821.

In
January, 1823, it was "Resolved, That it is expedient to form a Grand Council
of Royal Master Masons and Select Masons for the State of New York, and that
T.I.G.R.M. Thomas Lowndes be requested to call a convention of all the present
and past Grand Royal Masters and Deputy Grand Royal Masters and Grand Wardens
in this city, in order to carry into effect the formation of said Grand
Council." A convention was held January 25, 1823, and a Grand Council of Royal
and Select Masters was formed Thomas Lowndes being elected M.I.R.G.M., which
council continued until June 4, 1860, when it united with a Grand Council
which had been organized in the city of New York, May 27, 1854, by delegates
from councils of Royal and Select Masons working under the authority of the
Grand Council of Connecticut.

In the
formation of the General Grand Council the New York Companions took a very
active part.

North
Carolina.

At a
very early date Masonry was introduced into North Carolina. A Warrant for a
lodge, called "Royal White Hart Lodge," at Halifax, was granted August 21,
1767, and the first Grand Council was formed at Fayetteville, June 21, 1822.

At the
convention for the organization of this body five councils were represented,
they having all been chartered by the Supreme Council of the Southern
Jurisdiction.

The
effort to incorporate the degrees with the chapter did not succeed.

The
Grand Chapter had endeavored to control the degrees, but in 1859 "Resolved,
That this Grand Chapter, after due consideration, hereby disclaims for itself
and subordinates any and all control over the Royal and Select Master's
degrees." The Supreme Council of Southern jurisdiction chartered, by Dr. A, G.
Mackey, as agent, three councils, and a Grand Council was organized June 6,
1860.

In
consequence of the War no meeting was held until 1868. This body was dissolved
in 1883, and the degrees were turned over to the Grand Chapter.

In
1887 the Grand Council was re-organized.

It is
now an independent body.

Ohio.

John
Barker, the agent of the Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction, at a very
early day organized five councils in Ohio.

J.L.
Cross had been in Ohio perhaps as early as 1817; some authors say 1816; we
think not, as he had not received his commission as General Grand Lecturer
until the session of the General Grand Chapter, June 8, 1816.

Moreover, as the General Grand Chapter refused the proposition, at that
session, to incorporate the degrees in the chapter work, and as it is asserted
by Folger that Cross went to Baltimore, and the paper issued by Eckel and
Niles is dated in 1817 (May 27th), the very fair presumption is that Cross did
not attempt to confer the Select prior to the date of his authority, whether
that "paper" was genuine or a forgery, as Companion Josiah H. Drummond has
pronounced it to be. Companion Drummond has traced the "itinerary" of Cross
through Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Louisiana, and
thence to Baltimore, May, 1817.

In
1827 a council was established at Cleveland by Charter from the Grand Council
of New York.

A
Grand Council for the State was organized January 6, 1830, by the five
councils organized by John Barker.

North
Dakota.

The
following councils received their dispensations from the Officers of the
General Grand Council, viz. :

Dispensation.

Charter.

Casselton, No. 1, at Casselton, December 7, 1888

November 10,

1889.

Hilkiah, No. 2, at Jamestown,

September 1, 1893

August
21,

1894.

Dispensation.

Hiram
Council, at Valley City......................December 31,

1895.

Continued.

Rae
Council, at Grand Forks........................ January 2,

1896.

Annulled.

Zabud
Council, at Devil's Lake..................... January 3,

1896

Annulled.

Towner
Council, at Towner..........................January 6,

1896

Continued Adoniram Council, at Fargo........................February 15,

1896

Continued Damascus Council, at Wahpeton.................... February 18,

By
authority of the General Grand Master of the General Grand Council, Companion
A.H. Hodson was authorized to convene not less than five Royal and Select
Masters, and to confer the degrees upon not exceeding nine Royal Arch Masons.

A
dispensation was issued to Pioneer Council, U. D., at McMinnville.

Three
councils convened February 3, 1885, and formed a Grand Council for Oregon
under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Council.

Pennsylvania.

October 26, 1847, two councils in Pennsylvania, and one in Texas, formed the
Grand Council.

This
Grand Council disbanded and was re-organized in 1854.

Papers
of the meetings from 1847 to 1851 have been found, but it seems no regular
records were ever kept.

It was
proposed in the Grand Council, in 1854, to turn the degrees over to the
control of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, which, however, was not
accepted; and December 30, 1854, the Grand Council was re-organized.

It is
an independent jurisdiction, but does not recognize those who have received
the degree in chapters.

Rhode
Island.

A
meeting of Royal Masters was convened in Providence, R.I., March 28, 1818, and
May 19th "Resolved, That the degree of Select Master be attached to this
Council." J.L. Cross gave that council a Charter in 1819.

For
many years this council was dormant, and no meeting was held until 1841.

The
Grand Councils of Massachusetts and Connecticut issued charters to other
councils, and the Supreme Council of Northern Jurisdiction A.'.A.'.S.'.R.'.

gave
authority to confer the degrees of Royal and Select Master upon a Charter for
a Lodge of Perfection at Newport, which in 1870 was revoked, a Grand Council
having been organized on October 30, 1860, from which a Charter was obtained.

This
Grand Council is independent.

South
Carolina

In the
preface to this chapter much of the early history of the Cryptic degrees has
already been given in detail.

The
Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction had great influence in the
direction of the government of the Cryptic Rite in South Carolina.

Nine
councils of Royal and Select Masons were chartered in the years of 1858 and
1859.

The
Supreme Council in 1860 waived its rights, and a Grand Council was regularly
formed, February 15, 1850.

In
1880 the "Missisippi Plan" was adopted.

However, in 1881, the Grand Council was re-organized and became a member of
the General Grand Council.

South
Dakota.

The
following councils received dispensations from the Officers of the General
Grand Council in South Dakota: